Maple Leafs Closing In on Goalie Plan Worth Only $8 Million Total
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs may be closing in on a deal that would see them have both goaltenders locked up on a bargain, at least as far as insider Darren Dreger thinks.
With the Maple Leafs enjoying their best goaltending ever this past season, the combination of Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll have combined to be one of the best duos in the league and are a huge reason why Toronto found so much success last year.
How the Maple Leafs Plan to Keep Stolarz and Woll at a Bargain Price
While Woll is signed for the next few years, Stolarz is a free agent after this season however there have been ongoing negotiations regarding a potential extension.
So with that being said, it seems like NHL Insider Darren Dreger has an inkling has an inkling of what it'll cost and it could end up being a serious bargain:
Well, like everybody else, just good dialogue and steady negotiations with the agent.
Stolarz likes being a member of the Maple Leafs and the Maple Leafs see great value in the tandem of Stolarz and Joseph Woll. So, they're working on it.
Again, no timeline here but I wouldn't be surprised if they get something done before the start of the year. But I wouldn't look beyond and say, 'Okay, if they don't get something done before the start of the season, is there a problem?'
The Maple Leafs believe that they might be able to get both these goaltenders locked down for at least the next couple of years for just over $8 million total.
Stolarz likes being a member of the Maple Leafs and the Maple Leafs see great value in the tandem of Stolarz and Joseph Woll. So, they're working on it.
Again, no timeline here but I wouldn't be surprised if they get something done before the start of the year. But I wouldn't look beyond and say, 'Okay, if they don't get something done before the start of the season, is there a problem?'
The Maple Leafs believe that they might be able to get both these goaltenders locked down for at least the next couple of years for just over $8 million total.
According to Dreger as well, it seems like Stolarz could sign a deal in the same range as Karel Vejmelka and Kevin Lankinen ($4.75-million and $4.5-million AAV respectively).
That's incredibly good news for the Maple Leafs who could potentially have the majority of their defense and both goaltenders locked up for the next few years, with only a couple of forward pieces to bring in in the future.
You also have to take Stolarz's success with a grain of salt as while he's been fantastic, he's also dealt with a lot of injury issues and already had a month-long absence last season.
A Low-Cost Tandem Could Reshape the Maple Leafs' Cap Strategy
But if all goes well and Stolarz is able to maintain his health throughout this potential extension, it could pay off massively for Toronto come next summer. It's going to be a legendary class of free agents and with a fair bit of cap to make a splash, the more they can save up for the better.
Plus, it's appealing to players who might entertain coming over to Toronto because they know that the team can afford to pay them a little more and have reliable goaltending to play in front of.
With names like Connor McDavid, Kyle Connor, Adrian Kempe, and Cale Makar all potentially available, Toronto has the chance to pull of an incredible coup all thanks to their frugal strategy when re-signing Stolarz.
Plus, it would give the veteran the stability and security he's lacked for his career and would firmly give him a spot and a chance to win.
So we'll need to wait and see how Toronto approaches things, as nothing is off the table. But if they can swing a budget deal for Stolarz; it could create a domino effect that brings unparalleled success.
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