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Heartbreaking News as Leafs Goalie Anthony Stolarz Stretchered Out of Arena After Concussion Scare

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Tom Banks | Last updated May 5, 2025 11:47 PM ET

Anthony Stolarz left Game 1 against the Florida Panthers after suffering an apparent concussion, and now the story gets worse for the veteran goaltender.

The Toronto Maple Leafs took Game 1 over the Florida Panthers in an absolute thriller, but unfortunately, all the talk after the game was about goaltender Anthony Stolarz.

During the second period, the veteran goalie was hit in the head by Panthers veteran and former teammate Sam Bennett, with Stolarz leaving immediately, even vomiting on the bench before leaving the game.

Now, the report on Stolarz gets worse, as he was reportedly taken out of ScotiaBank Arena on a stretcher, which isn't a good sign for the rest of this series or for his health in general moving forward.

Given how crucial he has been to the success of this team, this is heartbreaking for fans and the team, but more importantly, it puts the health of a fantastic person in jeopardy, all from a dirty, disgusting cheap shot from Sam Bennett that should land him in hot water with the NHL's Department of Player Safety.

As of right now, this all but rules out Stolarz for Game 2 in Toronto, and with the team then travelling south to Florida for Game's 3 and 4, it's very unlikely that we see him for that either, as Toronto will put his health and his future ahead of any playoff series, as they should.

We will keep you updated on Stolarz' condition as soon as we hear more, but for now, things aren't looking good for the veteran, with fans holding out hope he can be okay and return at some point in this series against the rival Panthers.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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