With the NHL trade deadline fast approaching, the rumor mill is heating up with mentions of what the Toronto Maple Leafs might do at or before the Trade Deadine.
General manager Brad Treliving is under pressure to improve a Toronto Maple Leafs roster loaded with stars but which requires some fine-tuning to increase the team's odds for a championship.
Over the past year, one of Treliving's most effective strategies has been his ability to identify and sign key players who have brought both depth and stability to the Leafs.
These signings have bolstered the team’s overall structure and given them a more well-rounded roster. Let’s break down some of his best acquisitions.
Brad Treliving’s Best Moves: How Stolarz and Tanev Have Strengthened the Leafs
1. Signing Goaltender Anthony Stolarz
Treliving’s decision to bring in goaltender Anthony Stolarz has been significant for the Leafs goaltending depth. Stolarz was signed to compete with Joseph Woll for the starting job or, at minimum, be a strong backup. His performances have been nothing short of impressive. His size, skill, and composure in the crease have given the Leafs an imposing presence in the net, something they’ve lacked in recent years.
The calculated gamble by Treliving to sign a career backup goalie from a division rival has paid huge dividends, so far. Before being sidelined for a couple of months with a knee injury, Storlarz was among the league leaders in many significant categories including save percentage and goals-saved-above-average (GSAA). During his recent return to the lineup, he showed no rust in helping the Leafs win over the Seattle Kraken.
A good signing, but keep in mind that goalies are nearly random and there is no guarantee that this lasts.
2. Extending Joseph Woll
With Stolarz back, the Maple Leafs goaltending duo can resume their quest to be the best tandem in the league. Despite his concerning injury history, Treliving recognized the potential of Woll and inked him to an extension before the season. The immediate returns have been excellent.
Woll's numbers are not as gaudy as his partner's, but he held down the fort during Stolarz's absence and kept the Leafs in contention for the division. Stepping up as a reliable goaltender, Woll has showcased his potential with numerous strong performances between the pipes. His poise and ability to make key saves in crucial moments have earned him the trust of both his teammates and coaching staff.
Whether as a backup or taking on a larger role, Woll has displayed resilience and growth, contributing to the team's success. His steady progression has fans excited about his future with the Leafs, and it's clear he's cementing his place as an important piece of the team's goaltending depth.
The Maple Leafs now have depth in goal that should bring them confidence when facing the league's best teams in the playoffs, thanks to Treliving's foresight. This pairing is working exactly how the Leafs had hoped. The best part? Both goalies are locked up for next year at only a $5.5 million cap hit.
Of course, the downside of not going after a more established big-name goalie is that the wheels can fall off at any time. So far the Leafs have been very lucky, but it's likely not that good for a franchise when the two best moves the GM has made are both for discount, high-risk goalies.