Going into this season, the Toronto Maple Leafs are relying on Anthony Stolarz and Sergei Bobrovsky to carry the team in the crease.
However, there are some risks involved with this plan. Anthony Stolarz has dealt with enough injuries in recent seasons that Toronto cannot ignore the value of additional depth behind him and Bobrovsky. Meanwhile, Bobrovsky isn't getting any younger, which means he is at an increased risk of injury if the Leafs don't manage his starts.
With training camp approaching, the Maple Leafs still have the option to bring in an unsigned veteran on a professional tryout, and goaltending is one area where extra competition could make sense.
Why a goalie is the smartest use of Toronto's last tryout spot
Alexandar Georgiev was a former starter for the Colorado Avalanche who had a career year during the 2022-23 season. He posted 40 wins in 62 starts, all while securing a goals-against average of 2.51 and a save percentage of .919. Unfortunately, he was never able to replicate those numbers.
Following a bad season with the San Jose Sharks in 2024-25, Georgiev left the NHL and signed with Moscow Spartak of the KHL. That said, his numbers were solid in the KHL, posting a 2.37 GAA and a save percentage of .918.
Given Georgiev's NHL pedigree, it only makes sense that the Toronto Maple Leafs would at least give him a chance at becoming the team's third goalie. He has the experience to justify a PTO, and given their shaky goaltending situation, Georgiev could prove to be exceptionally valuable.
What happens if Bobrovsky's age or Stolarz's injuries catch up
If Bobrovsky and Stolarz were to get injured, their only option would be Artur Akhtyamov. Artur Akhtyamov is already knocking on the NHL door after helping the Marlies win the Calder Cup and earning playoff MVP honours, but Toronto may still prefer not to force him into a heavy NHL role if injuries hit early.
Georgiev would not arrive as Toronto's answer in net. His value would be as experienced insurance: a goalie with more than 300 NHL games who also rebuilt some confidence last season with a .918 save percentage in 24 KHL games for Spartak Moscow.
Of course, the Leafs would much rather keep Bobrovsky and Stolarz healthy this season. This is why it is important for head coach Jim Hiller to manage their starts, and allow Stolarz to get some significant games early in the season.
Regardless, insurance is always nice to have. If Toronto wants one more experienced goalie in camp, Georgiev is a logical name to consider. A PTO would let the Leafs evaluate whether his KHL rebound translates back to NHL pace without committing to a contract before they know if they actually need the extra depth.
Should the Toronto Maple Leafs sign Alexandar Georgiev?
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