A key concern is emerging around Anthony Stolarz's workload in Toronto
Photo credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
While discussing Anthony Stolarz's early-season performance, analysts weighed in on his ability to play a season while starting over 50 games.
Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz has had a challenging start to his 2025-26 season, and has had to shoulder the majority of the workload thus far.
A topic of discussion recently, Stolarz has needed to start so many games due to Joseph Woll's absence in addition to having Cayden Primeau struggle in his time with the team.
Insider believes Anthony Stolarz unable to handle heavy workload
That workload was touched on during The Fan Hockey Show on Tuesday, as hosts Michael Futa and Matt Marchese were joined by analyst Luke Fox who noted that Stolarz's workload could become an issue for the Maple Leafs:
Anthony Stolarz, I think, is just built to be a tandem goalie. He's not built to start you fifty games.
The topic has been a sticking point since Joseph Woll announced his leave of absence, and while his return is projected to be soon, Stolarz still needs to carry the load in the meantime.
His season is quite different from last year, as he's posted a 6-5-1 record with a 3.35 GAA and .889 SV% in 2025; in 2024 he posted a 21-8-3 record with a 2.14 GAA and .926 SV%.
Signing a four-year, $15-million extension this offseason, Stolarz is set to be Toronto's starter along with Woll as the two will share the crease in a mutual partnership.
Why Toronto needs to manage Anthony Stolarz's starts
Stolarz's difficult season has led him to voice his opinions to the media, which was a way to try and kickstart his team's efforts, though results have been mixed since his comments.
There is also an injury history with Stolarz, so the team runs the risk of him getting hurt if they continue to start him game after game which could be a challenge come playoff time.
With Joseph Woll's eventual return, that will give Stolarz a chance to rest and clear his mind and allow the Maple Leafs to better manage his workload knowing they can rely on one goaltender while the other refocuses.
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