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 earl

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