We Now Know What's Really Going On in the Maple Leafs' Talks With Anthony Stolarz

It was reported earlier this summer that the Toronto Maple Leafs and Anthony Stolarz weren't yet in negotiations, though talks would progress soon. Those talks have seemingly now reached the discussion stage, and as both parties look to figure out the plan, fans are left anxious.

Stolarz was a huge part of why the team was so successful last season, and though he's on a bargain deal, he's due for a pay raise and deservedly so.

Last season he posted a 21-8-3 record with a 2.14 GAA and .926 SV% along with four shutouts; a stellar debut season for Toronto.

But it's going to command a decent chunk of salary, and if the Leafs want to pursue a potential Connor McDavid signing in free agency, he may be left walking.

It's really a toss-up as to what can happen, and NHL Insider Kevin Weekes seems to think so too. The former goaltender mentioned the team isn't leaving any option ignored when it comes to keeping Stolarz:

NHL Insider Darren Dreger also confirmed that while there is nothing in terms of a deal yet, nothing is stopping that either:

That's great news for fans who want the veteran goalie to stick around, but the fact remains that his cost is going to well exceed the $2.5-million he's currently making, so what would work out best for Stolarz: Long-term security, or betting on himself?

The first thing the team could do is just say "Here you go, a blank cheque; what's the price?" That means the team is likely going to to be paying $6 to $7-million per season for Stolarz and while that is still fairly cheap, it's nearly potentially triple what he currently makes.

Knowing his injury history though, Toronto might be willing to wait how the season turns out and offer him an extension part-way through. It would give the team a chance to gauge if last year was a flash in the pan or if he'll be a reliable and consistent goalie for the next couple years.

Looking at his side, Stolarz would love to have the financial security of a long-term deal, which might mean that he could take a smaller hit in AAV in order to create that stability.

If Toronto decides to play the long game with Stolarz, they could risk alienating him and be out a stable goaltender yet again. The best case scenario is that Stolarz re-signs for two or three years at $5.5-million a season which is enough time to hopefully have Joseph Woll come in and be the #1.

There seems to be no issues preventing a deal from happening which is great news going forward for everyone involved, and we very well could hear of an extension in the near future.