Anthony Stolarz, G
Contract: Two-years, $2.5 million AAV
After it was announced that the Leafs had locked up Joseph Woll to a three-year deal worth $3.66 million starting in 2025-26, the team signed his partner for a two year contract carrying a $2.5 million AAV.
The 6-6 netminder has been one of the better backup goalies for the past few seasons between the Anaheim Ducks and Florida Panthers.
This has lead many to link him to the Maple Leafs as a potential option between the pipes for quite some time.
Stolarz has averaged a .913 SV% through 74 games the past three seasons. Throughout his career he has played in 108 NHL games with a .915 SV%.
To add, his quality starts are .578% over his career. If he can maintain his career average with the Leafs, he may prove to be the most dependable backup/1B netminder Leafs nation has seen in the past couple decades.
There are obvious risks associated with riding such an inexperienced tandem but it seems like a worthwhile gamble to make that these two goalies can at least provide league-average netminding. These are the types of bets that you need to make when you are tight against the cap.
I think it was a good signing by Leafs management.