Insider Hints at Contract Length Maple Leafs Have in Mind for Anthony Stolarz
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NHL Insider Chris Johnston revealed on his podcast The CJ Show that the potential extension for Anthony Stolarz could be in the three to four year range if signed.
With rumors and discussions surrounding Anthony Stolarz and whether or not he is going to sign an extension with the Maple Leafs or perhaps test the lucrative 2026 free agent market, all we know is that the two parties have talked extensively.
While nothing has materialized as of yet, there is a good sign that things will trend towards an extension which would not only give fans a lot of relief, but also bring the Maple Leafs some stability in goal for the first time in years.
Stolarz, 31, posted a 21-8-3 record in his first season with Toronto, while adding a 2.14 GAA and .926 SV%.
Insider Reports Potential Anthony Stolarz Contract Length As Negotiations Continue
But it's a question of term and money as is usually the case, and there have been talks that he could end up earning nearly triple what he's currently making. If that's the case, it's going to cost a fair bit, but how long will they have to pay him?
According to NHL Insider Chris Johnston, at least a few years.
Speaking on his podcast, The CJ Show on Monday, Johnston explained that the word around the league is that if Stolarz were to sign an extension it'll be in the three to four year range:
This is an intriguing situation. Anthony Stolarz is 31, had a career where he bounced around a bit, had some injury and health concerns, and has never started 40-50 games.
But what he has done over the last couple of seasons, he's put up some of the best individual goaltending numbers when he's been healthy. A year out from being a UFA, he's never had much stability in his career...
But if he bets on himself, he runs the risk of having another injury and risking that career stability that you haven't had a whole lot of. So there's a bit of a dynamic that exists here.
If they do get it done, I am hearing and thinking it'll be about a four-year deal which for Stolarz; who would never have had that type of security from the league, and you know it's going to be on a raise from what he makes now.
But what he has done over the last couple of seasons, he's put up some of the best individual goaltending numbers when he's been healthy. A year out from being a UFA, he's never had much stability in his career...
But if he bets on himself, he runs the risk of having another injury and risking that career stability that you haven't had a whole lot of. So there's a bit of a dynamic that exists here.
If they do get it done, I am hearing and thinking it'll be about a four-year deal which for Stolarz; who would never have had that type of security from the league, and you know it's going to be on a raise from what he makes now.
So if Toronto does commit to Stolarz, is it worth it?
Why Maple Leafs Find Security, Stability and a Steal In Anthony Stolarz
For a team whose main concern for years has been goaltending, last year was a genuine surprise. Stolarz came in and was stellar, and Joseph Woll was just as good splitting duties.
They were the first duo in franchise history to win 20+ games each, and for all the Mitch Marner talk, it was Stolarz and Woll who helped carry Toronto through some very tough games.
So it should behoove them to lock Stolarz up long-term, as it fits perfectly with their competitive window, their current contract situation, and is hopefully enough time to have Woll learn enough to take the reins full-time while someone like Dennis Hildeby or Artur Akhtyamov back him up.
Giving him what he wants shouldn't be to difficult either, and with a lack of premium targets to re-sign, a lot of attention can be put towards Stolarz's new deal.
So while fans anticipate a signing of some kind, perhaps the one coming next is the most important one of all.
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