Toronto Maple Leafs Goalie Anthony Stolarz and Bigger Contracts, Expectations, and Early Hurdles

When the Toronto Maple Leafs signed Anthony Stolarz in the offseason, it felt like the kind of move teams make when they believe a goaltending dilemma is within reach of a resolution. Stolarz, 31, and already a Stanley Cup winner, inked a four-year extension worth approximately $15 million ($3.75 million average annual value) early in the 2025-26 campaign. This was after posting a career-best .926 save percentage and a 2.14 goals-against average in 2024-25.

2025-26: The Strain of the Starter’s Burden for Goalie Anthony Stolarz

In theory, the Leafs now have their veteran net-minder for the long haul, a guy who has size (6’6”), experience, and a proven recent track record of being among the league’s better backups or tandem starters. But as with any high-stakes goaltending gamble, the early returns have been mixed, and his comments off the ice have added additional complexity.

Early in the season, Stolarz has been thrust into a heavier load than perhaps expected. This is especially so given that his fellow goaltender Joseph Woll is currently on personal leave to begin the year. Over his recent starts, Stolarz’s numbers have slipped. His save percentage has dipped into the .889 range, and his goals-against average has climbed toward 3.35 in those outings.

One particularly rough outing came against the Boston Bruins, where he allowed four goals on 19 shots and was pulled mid-game. This would’ve been a rare and glaring moment in a contract year. The Leafs responded by turning to 2022 fourth-round pick Dennis Hildeby in relief. Thus, underscoring the tenuous nature of the crease situation.

Stolarz hasn’t shied away from accountability either. After a 4-3 overtime loss to the Seattle Kraken, he made pointed comments about his teammates’ defensive efforts particularly over net-front battle and physical responsibility. “I don’t like having 225-pound guys laying on me,” Stolarz said. That kind of honesty is rare in a typically guarded Leafs locker room.

What This Means for the Rest of the Year

At this point in the season, the Leafs need Stolarz to deliver more than just good they need him to be reliable, sharp, and a stabilizing force. The contract is long, but the window for contention is now. Here’s what matters moving forward:

• Consistency: He must stop the bleeding when the team struggles. Also, limit soft goals, and give the Leafs the chance to win each night.

• Leadership: His public call-outs are a double-edged sword they can galvanize the team or cause tension. His relationship with teammates like William Nylander were under the microscope.

• Workload management: With Woll returning and the schedule set to compress further, he should be making smart starts will be key.

• Mental bounce-back: After high expectations and early slips, he must erase rough patches quickly and restore confidence.

Final Thought

Anthony Stolarz’s journey in Toronto is at a crossroads. The contract and expectations are clear. He’s meant to anchor a Maple Leafs team built to contend. Yet so far, his start has raised questions. If he can regain form, lead solid nights in net, and help the Leafs feel secure in goal, the extension will look like a steal. But if inconsistency continues, the contract could become a burden for a team already under pressure to win now.

Without doubt: The net-minder’s performance this season will be far more than just numbers. It could define the trajectory of the Leafs’ immediate future.