Anthony Stolarz Extension Talks Heat Up as Both Sides Push for Agreement
Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
According to Elliotte Friedman, the talks between Anthony Stolarz and the Maple Leafs are picking up, which means a potential extension could be around the corner.
Over the last couple of weeks we've heard several reports about Anthony Stolarz's contract negotiations with the Toronto Maple Leafs. It's clear both sides want to get something done and while there's been nothing really concrete, things are trending in the right direction.
All the goaltender wants is a fair contract, and that's what he deserves at the very least, and if he signs a deal similar to others it would give Toronto some very good goaltending for cheap.
But he has to sign that contract first, and when he's going to is a huge debate. He wants to get things done before the regular season but with only a couple of weeks left; time is slowly ticking.
What Elliotte Friedman Reported on the Stolarz Negotiations
Which is why it's a huge relief that Elliotte Friedman's latest report sheds some huge light on those contract talks.
Speaking on Sportsnet's panel during the Maple Leafs/Senators preseason game on Sunday, Friedman explained that Stolarz and the Maple Leafs were working hard on a deal and if history were to be any indication; it'll get done sooner than later:
They're working at it. I understand they're going back and forth trying to make it work. When you're putting in that much effort, it tells me that both sides want to get something done.
And I've always believed that when both sides want it, they usually find a way.
And I've always believed that when both sides want it, they usually find a way.
Why Locking Up Stolarz Could Be Crucial for the Maple Leafs
That's a huge boost to the hopes that Stolarz will stick around and with him in tow along with Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby, a secured defense and a locked up core group; they could be in play for a massive free agent come summertime.
Stolarz signed a two-year, $5-million deal last summer and blew expectations out of the water.
In 33 games started, Stolarz registered a 21-8-3 record with a 2.14 GAA, .926 SV% and four shutouts. He was in the Vezina conversation before he got hurt for a month midway through the season.
But keeping him long-term solves a couple of problems. To start, it's the first time Toronto will have two legitimate starters locked up and who can hold down the fort for years to come.
It also solves Toronto's only real free agent issue going into next summer, as guys like Scott Laughton, Calle Jarnkrok and Nick Robertson can be sent elsewhere or let go while Easton Cowan and Jacob Quillan can be cheap internal replacements.
So while we wait and see what happens between now and the beginning of the regular season, it sounds like we won't need to be too patient before we hear the Leafs goaltender putting pen to paper.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 21 | 2357 ANSWERS Anthony Stolarz Extension Talks Heat Up as Both Sides Push for Agreement Will Anthony Stolarz re-sign before the beginning of the season? | ||
| Yes | 1702 | 72.2 % |
| No | 655 | 27.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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