Anthony Stolarz’s durability will be tested early on this season

Anthony Stolarz finished last season sitting on the bench, watching his team get eliminated by the eventual back-to-back Stanley Cup Champion, Florida Panthers. Available to dress, but a coach’s decision to not give him the start, Stolarz worked his way back from a head injury, but wasn’t giving the chance to hold down the crease in the biggest game of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ season. New year, new contract, new circumstances.

Stolarz enters the 2025-26 season as ‘the guy’ for the Maple Leafs. Joseph Woll, unfortunately, is not available to start the season and is on an indefinite leave of absence. General manager Brad Treliving brought in veteran James Reimer for a look, however, Reimer has since been released. Meanwhile, Cayden Primeau was claimed off waivers on Monday, and now starts the season as Stolarz’ backup. Needless to say, expect to see Stolarz giving the keys to the crease right out of the gates.

Toronto has just one back-to-back in the first two-and-a-half weeks of the season, so there’s a good chance Stolarz could start seven of the Leafs’ first eight games. Entering the season as healthy and as fresh as he’s ever felt, there’s no doubt Stolarz is up for the challenge. The added bonus in it all is having the contract extension behind him, giving him the freedom to go out and play, and concentrate on what matters most – doing whatever it takes to win.

“(The commitment) is huge. It makes you feel secure,” stated Stolarz Sep.29 via NHL.com. “It makes you feel wanted. I’m looking forward to getting the season started with the guys and just being part of a core, being part of a group that is committed to winning. I think the (security) is why you play the game. You want to feel secure. You want to feel wanted in a city and to have your family there. And, long term, it’s nice to be able to go home and kind of leave things here now. It’s exciting.”

One of the questions that will need to be answered this season is if Stolarz can handle a heavier workload, and fend off the injury troubles. He started a career high 34 games last season, hitting the shelve multiple times throughout the year, but that’s hopefully behind him, and while his first year as a Leaf was a learning experience, it’s all gas and no brakes heading into a new season. There’s a good chance Stolarz pushes 50 starts this year and is more aligned with some of the other number-one goalies throughout the league, when it comes to a heavy workload. Stolarz finished as the league leader in save percentage last season, but his .926 was in 34 games, meanwhile Connor Hellebuyck, who finished second played 63 games for the Winnipeg Jets, and Darcy Kuemper, who finished third, started 50 for the Los Angeles Kings. Seeing that much action should be at the top of Stolarz’ to-do list.

The biggest hurdle has been health, and Stolarz is well aware that’s the case. He focused on durability during his offseason training, and he’s hopeful that his injury troubles are behind him. “I’ve just kind of been working with the medical staff, just coming in and strengthening my lower body, my upper body, just trying to keep those minor tweaks away,” Stolarz said Sep.26 after practice. “I worked a lot this summer with my trainer and my goalie coach as well, just working on things to stay healthy.”

Stolarz was a star during the Maple Leafs’ preseason schedule, finishing off his training camp with one of his best performances during a 3-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings. He looked dialed in throughout the entire camp, and again, having the contract extension behind him is going to do nothing but help keep his mind in the right places.

A clean bill of health, a clear mind focused in all the right places, and some added responsibility to start the season given the circumstances. Stolarz is ready to lead the Maple Leafs, and expect to see a lot of him early, and often throughout 2025-26.