Anthony Stolarz Reveals Why He Passed on Free Agency to Stay in Toronto
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz admitted that while he was tempted by next year's free agency potential, his heart was too close to Toronto for him to leave.
Anthony Stolarz signed a four-year, $15-million extension this past weekend and it finally put an end to the speculation about not only if he'll sign, but whether or not it'll cost the Maple Leafs a fair bit of cap.
The opposite was true however as he signed for under $4-million a season; a bargain deal that shows perhaps the tides are changing in Toronto where players are willing to stick things through regardless of the results like John Tavares and Matthew Knies.
Anthony Stolarz Admits He Had «Those Thoughts» About Free Agency
But it wasn't exactly an easy decision for the veteran goaltender, and he admitted to reporters that he had thoughts about letting things go until free agency but felt that Toronto was the best place for him and his future aspirations:
At the end of the day, this is where I wanted to be ... if something could be worked out where I could stay long-term and be part of this group, I thought it was a win-win.
It's another player who has come out recently with not only a lot of love for the team, but for the city it represents and wanting to be here after all the so-called media pressure has supposedly driven players away.
It's also a contract that set the Maple Leafs up beautifully if they were to make a move in 2026 for a free agent like Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel.
Why Stolarz Believes Toronto Was Worth the Sacrifice
Well if his comments to Maple Leafs reporter Nick Barden were any indication, then Stolarz is not only ready to win for himself, but for the fans who have genuinely changed his life:
It's pretty special to be able to look out into the stands and see people with your jersey on. I kind of thought coming in last year, I was a guy kind win the background.
Just looking up and being able to see Stolarz jerseys and all these kids that had signs, it really makes you think back to when I was a kid going to New Jersey Devils practices and watching Martin Brodeur.
I just think the loyalty and passion towards us is a huge part in all of us, and I'm looking forward to giving back.
Just looking up and being able to see Stolarz jerseys and all these kids that had signs, it really makes you think back to when I was a kid going to New Jersey Devils practices and watching Martin Brodeur.
I just think the loyalty and passion towards us is a huge part in all of us, and I'm looking forward to giving back.
Through all the chatter and constant criticisms of the roster, Stolarz proves that all of it seems to be hearsay and that regardless of what people think, when he looks into the crowd and sees fans wearing his #41 it's all worth it.
Plus, for him to want to give back to the community also helps fill a void left by Mitch Marner's departure and it wouldn't be surprising to see him involved in a lot of charity events in the future.
For now, Anthony Stolarz is focused on bringing the Maple Leafs that success they have been so desperate for since 1967 and seems willing to do everything he can to make it happen.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 29 | 2268 ANSWERS Anthony Stolarz Reveals Why He Passed on Free Agency to Stay in Toronto Do you think Anthony Stolarz will be in the Vezina Trophy conversation for 2025-26? | ||
| Yes | 1444 | 63.7 % |
| No | 824 | 36.3 % |
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