Anthony Stolarz Addresses His Contract Talks With Maple Leafs After Insider Report

There was a report earlier that the Toronto Maple Leafs and Anthony Stolarz were beginning negotiations regarding a contract and while they aren't close to a number yet, there is clearly mutual interest.

No doubt he would solidify arguably the most important part of Toronto's future and would be part of a fantastic tandem with Joseph Woll for years to come. He was great last year, and could be even better if he stays healthy.

But the question still remains, if Stolarz were to re-sign with the Maple Leafs, how much would it cost? He's only making $2.5-million so is clearly due for a raise, but it's a matter of finding that sweet spot.

For the goaltender himself though, there's really only one thing he wants out of the entire thing.

Appearing on Leafs Morning Take for an episode on Tuesday, Stolarz was flat out honest in what he wants with the negotiations and it's really not too much to ask considering what he's offered the team:

Honestly, not the craziest request in the world, and there's a very good chance that not only will his next contract be fair, but also quite handsome.

Looking at what he makes now, there's a clear path for Stolarz which is at least doubling his AAV. So if that's the case, then he'd be looking at at least $5-million per season.

That's not a bad deal especially if he is signed long-term, where he and Woll again will make up merely a fraction of the Maple Leafs cap hit; a huge boost to their future plans.

But going off his history, what he did last year, and what he does this season early on is certainly going to dictate things. If he starts off hot, and stays healthy through the first couple months; give him four years at $6-million; a $24-million deal is the highest he'll have, and set him up for life.

Plus this is the perfect timeframe for him and Woll to continue to work together and for the young Leafs goalie to learn a whole lot from the veteran; who he already tries to model his game after.

Stolarz deserves his raise though. He came in to no fanfare last season and posted a 21-8-3 record with a 2.14 GAA and .926 SV%. If he hadn't gotten hurt in December he could have been a Vezina candidate, and his unfortunate concussion kept him from truly changing the second round.

So while we wait and see what happens with Anthony Stolarz, all we can hope for is that Brad Treliving gives him what he wants.

Just a bit of fairness.