Anthony Stolarz Trade Talk Picks Up as Contract Demands Raise Eyebrows

With all the talk surrounding who the Maple Leafs are going to bring in next season, there's also a lot of discussion about who to keep. There are a few players who are due for an extension like Bobby McMann and Scott Laughton, and if they play well then Brad Treliving is going to be doling out a lot of money.

But one player who is probably the most important of those in need of an extension is Anthony Stolarz. Coming in to be a backup to presumed starter Joseph Woll, he stepped in to be a huge reason (along with Woll) as to why Toronto was dominant all season.

He only has one year left, and is on a very cheap deal, only $2.5-million. So for former goaltender and current analyst Carter Hutton; that means he's due for a big payday:

It isn't surprising to see Stolarz end up getting that type of pay raise, especially if he ends up playing as well as he did in 2024-25; Stolarz posted a 21-8-3 record with a .926 save percentage and a 2.14 GAA.

But that's potentially $10-million plus committed to two goaltenders, and unless the team is confident that both together can lead a tandem, that's a lot of money.

So what if Toronto were able to translate a solid second season from Stolarz into that powerful top-six force? What about a replacement for Morgan Rielly?

There's a very good chance that a healthy Woll can end up starting 50+ games for the Maple Leafs, and if they are committed to him (which they seemingly are) then they can find a solid backup much like they did with Stolarz last year.

Much like they did with Mitch Marner, they are sure to find a team with an asset or two who could come in and help in exchange for Stolarz, and if he's having a steady season at the deadline, it might be smart for Toronto to move him then as well.

The team would certainly get a return worthy of Stolarz, and if he's doing well enough, then he should be shipped out and be another team's problem.

We'll take what we can get from him for now, but there's a very good likelihood that he'll don another jersey by the end of this season.