Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz is receiving some trade interest from one specific Eastern Conference team that is in desperate need.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a goaltending tandem of Anthony Stolarz and Sergei Bobrovsky. However, Stolarz's future with the team is uncertain after a weak start.
Furthermore, the team has a young goalie waiting in the wings to take over: Artur Akhtyamov. The franchise wants to give Akhtyamov some starts to see what he can do, but that's not possible with Stolarz on the roster.
According to Darren Dreger, there might be an opportunity for the Leafs to move on from Stolarz. On the "Ray & Dregs" podcast, he made the claim that the New York Rangers have "kicked tires" on the netminder.
I think they've actually kicked tires on Anthony Stolarz
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This is certainly head-turning news, especially when you consider how insiders like Elliotte Friedman have suggested that the Rangers were not trying to trade to replace Igor Shesterkin.
However, the Rangers want to have a good season, and trading for a goaltender might be their best option when it comes to securing a playoff spot.
Why Stolarz and not Connor Hellebuyck?
Some have suggested that the Rangers should go after Hellebuyck. However, there are a few problems with this.
Firstly, Hellebuyck makes too much money and has too much time left on his contract to be a realistic rental option. Moreover, once Shesterkin comes back, the Rangers would have to trade Hellebuyck at a presumably reduced rate. It would be a whole bunch of trouble for nothing.
Stolarz, on the other hand, is cheaper and is a true rental goalie. Furthermore, if he plays well enough, the Rangers may be inclined to keep him around when Shesterkin returns.
At this time, general manager John Chayka has not confirmed or denied Dreger's report, and it remains to be seen if talks will continue.
Should the Toronto Maple Leafs trade Anthony Stolarz?
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