Anthony Stolarz
When the Maple Leafs signed Anthony Stolarz this past offseason, many had expected him to form a goaltending tandem with Joseph Woll heading into the 2024-25 season. After all, Stolarz has proven to be a solid goalie in the NHL, but predominantly in the role as the backup for almost the past decade.
But when Woll went on the injured reserve to start the season, Stolarz was suddenly thrusted into the starting role and has been running away with it ever since. In fact, in Stolarz’s first five games, he managed to let in only two goals or fewer in each of those games, giving the Leafs the opportunity to win practically every time he manned the crease. For the season, he sports a 4-2-1 record with a 2.45 GAA and .916 save percentage. They knew Stolarz was good, they just didn’t know he could be this good.
Max Pacioretty
When Max Pacioretty was signed to a professional tryout by the Leafs back in September, many didn’t have high expectations of the 17-year NHL veteran. After all, he was coming off two injury-filled seasons in which he was limited to just 7 goals and 19 assists for 26 points in just 52 games played. At aged 35, many were wondering how much he could actually recover from his major injuries and whether he could regain any of his previous dominant form.
Pacioretty didn't silence his naysayers when he made the team out of camp, because they all expected the Leafs to gift him a spot. That, however, hasn't been the case, as Pacioretty has been mostly very effective.
Now, with nine games under his belt in the 2024-25 NHL season, he has continued to be a surprise contributor whenever he found himself in the Leafs lineup. To date, Pacioretty has recorded 2 goals, 4 assists for 6 points along with 15 shots on goal while averaging just around 12 minutes of ice time per night. Together with a whopping CF% of 58% in 5-on-5 situations, he is definitely tilting the ice in the Leafs favour whenever he plays.
Only problem with Pacioretty is that he's 35 and seems to follow up every two or three great games with a complete dud.