How Will the Toronto Maple Leafs New Free Agent Signings Fit Into Their Lineup?

What will be the optimal strategy for the Maple Leafs to deploy their new recruits from free agency into the lineup?

By Edward Eng | Jul 14, 2024

May 23, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Chris Tanev (3) skates against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period in game one of the Western Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

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Anthony Stolarz

Perhaps one of the more underrated goaltenders in the NHL, Anthony Stolarz had flown under-the-radar for many NHL seasons due to the fact they he had played for many struggling teams.

When he finally got the opportunity to play for a real team like the Panthers in 2023-24, Stolarz showed exactly what he could bring to a strong contender.

Last season, Stolarz posted a stellar 16-7-2 record with an impressive 2.03 GAA and .925 save percentage with the Cup-winning Florida team.

For his career, he has still somehow managed to maintain a solid 2.69 GAA and .914 save percentage despite being on some poor teams. He kind of reminds everyone of Linus Ullmark, who still performed well while playing for the lowly Buffalo Sabres, but rose to elite levels once with a stronger team like Boston.

So if Stolarz can become anything close to what Ullmark has transformed into, the Leafs could have a gem in their hands. (All stats from hockey-reference.com)

Stolarz will likely be the backup to Joseph Woll to start the 2024-25 season.

However, if he manages to finally breakout given that he will get more playing time with the Leafs, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Woll-Stolarz tandem converts into a 1A and 1B goalie option system instead.

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