Maple Leafs Star Left Off Team USA Roster Raises Eyebrows
Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
While the Maple Leafs have some representation at Team USA's Olympic orientation camp, one notable absence that's leaving fans puzzled is goaltender Anthony Stolarz.
On Tuesday it was announced that Team USA has invited their 44-man contingent who are all going to fight for a spot on the 2026 Winter Olympics team. Six spots are already filled, and it seems like a tight race for international representation.
Among the names are Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews (one of the six already chosen) as well as breakout forward Matthew Knies; who has certainly earned his shot and is heavily motivated to make it.
Anthony Stolarz Snub Could Fuel Extra Motivation This NHL Season
But one player who was surprisingly left off the list was goaltender Anthony Stolarz, who was ignored in favor of Joey Daccord.
The other three goaltenders in Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger, and Jeremy Swayman are all pretty much locks to be on the roster; but Stolarz's absence is puzzling.
Nothing against Daccord, who had a solid season with the Kraken in 2024-25 but Stolarz was incredible in his first season with Toronto and had better numbers in less games; he could have earned some Vezina votes too had he not been injured.
It's a bit disheartening that Stolarz was overlooked even though he was better and more successful, and while there are concerns about his injury status it's not like he is going to start and have the bulk of the starts; he's there in case of emergency.
Hopefully though, he ends up using this as motivation to prove to GM Bill Guerin and the rest of the league that he shouldn't be overlooked. Motivated to finish what was started last year, Stolarz is going to be full throttle starting from game one.
Team USA's Choice Impacts Leafs' Goaltending Outlook
Well considering that both of the Maple Leafs starters are American, it means that a strong season should give them a look in the future, however it also shows a bias against Toronto.
For what reason should Daccord be selected over Stolarz or even Joseph Woll? Woll had similar numbers and would provide just as good depth as the Kraken goalie, and has proven he can be a solid contributor.
Besides them though, Toronto has Dennis Hildeby (Sweden), plus Artur Akhtyamov, Tomofei Obvintsev and Vyacheslav Peksa (Russia) in their system. They have had a lot of success with American goaltenders in the past, so it might shift their draft strategy when it comes to their net.
All we can hope for is that Stolarz doesn't take this to heart and beat himself up over missing a chance to play for Team USA. If he can turn this season into a Stanley Cup, who knows what 2030 could potentially bring.
