Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Maple Leafs Legend Sends Strong Message After Anthony Stolarz's Extension

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Sep 30, 2025 10:27 AM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs secured stability in goal with Anthony Stolarz’s new four-year, $15 million contract, and the move quickly drew praise from one of the franchise’s most recognizable voices.

Darryl Sittler, a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and a former Leafs captain, joined the "Leafs Morning Take" podcast on Monday and could not hide his excitement about the extension.

Sittler captained the Leafs from the mid-1970s into the 1980s and is widely known for his record 10-point game in 1976, as well as being the first Leaf to reach 100 points in a single season.

“I think it’s awesome,” Sittler said. “You’re not gonna go anywhere in this league, especially the playoffs, without outstanding goaltending. It was unfortunate last year, might have made a difference in that series, we’ll never know. But the fact that he’s such a big guy, covers a lot of net, and he had great success last year.

“There’s no reason he can’t continue having a great season this year. You gotta have that if you’re gonna go anywhere.”

Stolarz Extended ft. Darryl Sittler | Leafs Morning Take https://t.co/RGZ5sLfdxm
— TheLeafsNation (@TLNdc) September 29, 2025

Stolarz’s deal comes at a $3.75 million cap hit through 2030, with a structure heavy in signing bonuses and a sliding no-trade clause for added protection, per PuckPedia.

For Toronto, it locks in the 31-year-old after he delivered a .926 save percentage and 21 wins in 34 games last season. Not only that, but the Leafs have secured Stolarz at just the 30th-highest cap hit among the league's goalies.

Sittler said the move symbolizes a growing belief inside the dressing room and among alumni.

“Now’s the time for the Maple Leafs,” he said. “It has been for the last three or four years and we didn’t get it done, but we still have an opportunity to get it done. They’ve changed some of the chemistry … a little bigger in size, a little bit more grit. I think [head coach Craig] Berube’s style of coaching has always been to play team defense and make it hard to play against. You have to have that, especially in the playoffs if you’re going to go all the way to the finals.”

General manager Brad Treliving echoed Sittler's confidence, describing the deal as fair for both sides.

“We were hopeful to get something done. Having that certainty going into the season, he’s been good for us. He has lots of good hockey ahead of him,” Treliving said. “Like any deal, there’s give and take on both sides.

“The number is a good number for us and gives Anthony some security. Happy to get it done.”

Stolarz admitted that being embraced in Toronto pushed him to stay, saying, “It’s pretty special to be able to look out into the stands and see people with your jersey on.”

Leafs head coach Craig Berube already hinted that Stolarz will start in net for Toronto on opening night, with backup goalie Joseph Woll on a personal leave of absence.

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

More must-reads: