Leafs' goaltending gamble: did they miss the mark with Stolarz?

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Sam Jones
July 29, 2024 (9:30)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs' quest for a solidified presence between the pipes this offseason was marked by ambitious moves and a glaring oversight.

Following a rollercoaster season with Ilya Samsonov, the team aimed high, courting notable names like Jacob Markstrom and Juuse Saros. However, their efforts did not pan out as planned, with Markstrom heading to New Jersey and Saros staying put in Nashville, leaving the Leafs to adjust their strategy.

As the big fish eluded them, Toronto pivoted to fortify their goaltending depth by acquiring Anthony Stolarz. The former Florida Panther stepped into the limelight last season with impressive stats: a .925 save percentage (SV%) and a 2.03 goals against average (GAA) across 27 games. These numbers positioned him as a viable 1B option to support the promising, yet often sidelined, Joseph Woll.

Despite his solid .915 career SV%, Stolarz's surge last season has drawn skepticism. Scott Maxwell from Daily Faceoff highlighted a potential regression, noting,

"Stolarz has only established a consistent backup role for himself in the past few seasons, but in 2023-24, he was arguably the best backup goaltender in the league, with the second-best save percentage among goalies with at least 20 games played and the seventh-best GSAx in the league. However, with a career .915 SV%, it's tough to expect him to repeat that for next season. He did have an .899 SV% the year prior, so last season may have been the positive regression. But I'd expect him to come back down to Earth next season, especially behind a Toronto Maple Leafs team that will probably not be as good defensively as the Panthers were last year, even with their upgrades on the blueline." -Maxwell on Stolarz

The challenge for Toronto now is not just about health but also consistency. The Leafs are banking on both Stolarz and Woll not just to stay off the injury list but to deliver performances that hover around or surpass their career averages. While a repeat of Stolarz's .925 SV% might be a tall order, the team's success could hinge on his ability to maintain a level close to his career norm.

This season will truly test if the Leafs' decision to pass on a premier goalie and place their trust in Stolarz was a misstep or a calculated risk. As the team gears up for the 2024-25 campaign, all eyes will be on their netminders. Were the Leafs right in their approach, or did they miss an opportunity to solidify their last line of defense?

What's your take? Did the Maple Leafs err in not securing a top-tier goalie this summer? Participate in our poll and share your thoughts on whether Toronto's gamble will pay off or cost them dearly in the upcoming season.

Source: MAPLELEAFSDAILY
Reporter believes that the Maple Leafs made a critical error this summer