Notable absences at a rare Leafs practice, but Stolarz's net is the real story
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
There were several practice absences for the Maple Leafs on Friday but the biggest story is Anthony Stolarz had the net all to himself in a rare occurrence.
It's been a long time since we've seen Anthony Stolarz in net for the Maple Leafs after suffering an injury in early November. he has been slowly working his way back and there has been a lot of optimism towards a return.
Though he's not there yet, the goalie is still practicing with the team and is getting himself more acclimated with the rigours of game action but could still be a month away.
Stolarz goes solo during rare Maple Leafs practice
However on Friday, a rare sight happened as not only did the Maple Leafs hold a practice after a long and strenuous game, but it was Stolarz who had the net to himself after a slew of banged up players were absent:
Joseph Woll isn't taking part in a rare Leafs practice today, which means Anthony Stolarz gets his own net as he continues to recover from injury.
There is still no public timeline on Stolarz' return.
(Also absent today: Nylander, Tavares, Knies, and Ekman-Larsson.)
There is still no public timeline on Stolarz' return.
(Also absent today: Nylander, Tavares, Knies, and Ekman-Larsson.)
The news comes courtesy of Jonas Siegel on X, and it's a frustrating bit of news considering the Maple Leafs were just about to get healthy.
Is Stolarz coming back soon or is it just wishful thinking?
However the big story is that Stolarz himself is getting his own net. It's a sign that perhaps not only is he closer to a comeback but that he might be getting more comfortable in general being on his own.
Getting his own net means that there won't be really anyone to relieve him so it's a test of endurance and whether or not the practices leading up to this one have been actual progress or more just hopeful thinking.
Stolarz has a 6-5-1 record with a 3.51 GAA and .884 SV% this season, a stark contrast from the player we saw last year and there is starting to be genuine concern that he might not ever be 100%; he's even subject to trade rumors too.
It's a weird situation because clearly Stolarz has shown the ability to be elite, but also has now three times gone down with a serious injury. Do you hope that he can give you 20-25 games of top tier play? If so, that's not starter territory.
Whatever the case, Toronto at least has Anthony Stolarz back on the ice. Whether that is going to be a positive going forward still remains to be seen.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 16|1066 ANSWERS Notable absences at a rare Leafs practice, but Stolarz's net is the real story Will Anthony Stolarz return before the Olympics? | ||
| Yes | 581 | 54.5 % |
| No | 485 | 45.5 % |
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