What does a successful 2025-26 season look like for Anthony Stolarz?

Anthony Stolarz’s first season as a Toronto Maple Leaf was overall, a huge success. The 31-year-old goaltender had himself a career season, and heading into the 2025-26 campaign, he’s going to be given every opportunity to take his game to new heights.

Stolarz joined the Maple Leafs last summer, signing a two-year, $5 million contract, and frankly, after one season it’s looking like one of the very best contracts across the entire NHL. At just $2.5 million against the cap, Stolarz appeared in 34 games for the Maple Leafs, posting a 21-8-3 record, along with a 2.14 goals against average, and .926 save percentage. Stolarz, unfortunately, had his Stanley Cup Playoffs cut short after just seven appearances, thanks to an elbow from Sam Bennett during the second-round series against the eventual Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.

Despite many wondering how Stolarz would hold up after a workload he’s never seen before, he went 4-1-1 in the postseason, with a 2.19 GAA and .901 save percentage. Yes, a bit of a dip in production, but unfortunately, at the end of the day, Stolarz wasn’t available for his team when they needed him the most.

The tandem of Stolarz and Joseph Woll is in tact once again this season, and by the sounds of it, should get used to each other for the foreseeable future, as Woll is signed through the 2027-28 season, meanwhile GM Brad Treliving recently admitted the team is very interested in getting Stolarz extended on a new contract.

“We’ve certainly explored some things with Anthony and his representative, and we’d love to find a way to get something done,” Treliving told The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun on Tuesday. “If there’s something that both sides are comfortable with, we’ll look at it. And we’ve been in those discussions for some time right now. We’ll see what the coming days bring.”

Positive dialogue from all accounts, and considering how well Stolarz accumulated himself into the media circus in Toronto, and quickly became a leader within the dressing room, this appears to be the right move. Of course, it’s just going to come down to availability, as the injury woes continued for Stolarz last season, and he’ll look to get past them in 2025-26.

While Stolarz managed to finish top-three in the league in goals against average and save percentage, the other two goaltenders among the top of the list were Vezina trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck, and Vezina nominee Darcy Kuemper. Hellebuyck’s numbers were off the charts, and it’s also worth pointing out he did so playing in 63 games, compared to just 34 games by Stolarz. Kuemper, on the other hand, played 50. Yes, Stolarz’ numbers were terrific, but when he’s almost playing half the games of the top dog, should he even be in the conversation?

The Goal: Cement himself in the Vezina conversation as the NHL’s best goaltender

Looking ahead to this upcoming season, Stolarz main goal should be to be relied upon whenever needed as the Maple Leafs’ number one goaltender. Yes, the tandem works when it comes to controlling workloads, and keeping goalies fresh, but Stolarz needs to take the bull by the horns and showcase to the organization that he’s worthy of being the 1A to Joseph Woll’s 1B.

Stolarz should be pushing to hit the 50-game mark, and set new career highs in appearances and wins. With Mitch Marner departing for Vegas, and a slew of new forwards up front, the Leafs’ structure could be changing even more this season, as they could wind up playing an even more defensive-brand of hockey. This could set Stolarz up for success when it comes to limited grade-A chances, and high-danger shots, while taking less chances in the neutral zone to create offence.

At the end of the day, Stolarz will be given every chance to be ‘the guy’ in the Maple Leafs’ crease. He seems to have a small leg up on Woll as far as the depth chart goes, even with not being available for the team’s final six playoff games last season. If Stolarz can hit the 50-game mark, there’s a very good chance he’s in the Vezina conversation this season.

The Expectation: Start 45 games, and Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs

Availability is everything here. Stolarz must do whatever he can to keep his body right, and ensure that he’s not spending weeks on the injured list, and having to claw his way back to the top of his game mid-season. Stolarz should be pushing to start at least 45 games, and in a friendly competition kind of way, push Woll down a peg.

Stolarz proved last season with Toronto that he’s more than capable of winning games on his own. He’s become a game-breaking goaltender, who at 31, is in the prime of his career, perhaps a little bit later than most. He’s had to be patient for his chance to lead a team, and with the Maple Leafs, he has exactly that.

The Maple Leafs have arguably the best goaltending tandem in the league. Add Dennis Hildeby as the number three, who is signed for under $1 million for the next three seasons, and it’s also worth mentioning they may be the most talented trio, while also the most affordable. That’s a winning formula in a salary cap world.

Brad Treliving has the team in a great position when it comes to goaltending depth, and it’s led by Stolarz. Look for him to push Woll in the preseason, and their internal competition will continue through training camp, the preseason, and throughout the regular season. For now, the goal for Stolarz is to start the regular season opener, and after that, it should be hitting Game 50, followed by being in the starter’s crease for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Stay healthy, and there’s a very good chance Stolarz has one of the best goaltending seasons in Maple Leafs history.