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Maple Leafs Goalie Reveals Truth About Concussion After Collision With Sam Bennett

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated May 21, 2025 8:12 AM ET

Anthony Stolarz couldn't extend his offseason past Game 1 of the Toronto Maple Leafs' second-round series loss to the Florida Panthers.

Stolarz confirmed during Tuesday's end-of-season media availability that he suffered a concussion on the play that effectively put an end to his campaign.

The hit ended his postseason prematurely and was caused by a collision with Panthers forward and former Stolarz's teammate Sam Bennett.

"It was just one of those things where he just caught me in a bad spot," Stolarz said. "I don’t think there was any malicious intent on his part."

Anthony Stolarz confirms he suffered a concussion in Game 1, but doesn't believe the puck off his mask has anything to do with it. Says he felt totally fine until the collision with Sam Bennett.

"He just caught me in a bad spot."
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 20, 2025

The 31-year-old goaltender remained in the net for a brief period after taking an elbow to the head but later vomited during a stoppage in play and was taken to a local hospital.

He did not return to game action for the remainder of the series, though he dressed as the backup in Game 7.

"Extremely frustrating," Stolarz said of missing the playoffs. "I felt like I was in a good spot, had worked all year, and to have it go out like that in Game 1...

"That was tough."

Asked about his thoughts on Bennett's hit, Stolarz said the elbow from Bennett was not premeditated.

"He obviously felt pretty bad," Stolarz revealed. "It’s a very fast game and, you know, stuff’s going to happen. I told him basically, ‘Good luck,’ and, you know, ‘I’m doing a lot better now, doing fine.’"

Stolarz played 34 games during the regular season, leading the NHL with a .926 save percentage (min. 12 games played) and putting up a 21-8-3 record.

The netminder also started all six games in Toronto’s first-round win over the Ottawa Senators after helping the team claim its first division title since 2000.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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