Pacific Division Contenders Floated as Anthony Stolarz Landing Spots

When talk of the Toronto Maple Leafs trading a goaltender surfaced a few months ago, it felt rather far-fetched — at least to happen this season. The team was still in the playoff hunt and convinced that a turnaround was on the horizon.

Riding it out made sense at the time, but now that the season has fallen off the rails, it may be time to reconsider — especially given that, starting next year, Dennis Hildeby will have to clear waivers to be sent to the minors, where he could very likely be claimed and lost for nothing. As a result, chatter about moving a goalie has picked up steam again, with one analyst specifically wondering about Anthony Stolarz heading to a Pacific Division contender.

Mike Johnson of TSN floated the idea of sending Stolarz to the Vegas Golden Knights during an appearance on OverDrive on Tuesday.

Johnson said:

“Should Toronto trade one of their goalies this week? You wonder if they’re considering that as well. And if you’re Vegas, you’re like, ‘Oh, Stolarz — he’s an upgrade on what we have right now,’ or whoever it might be. I wonder,”

The 32-year-old Stolarz’s four-year, $15 million extension signed with the Maple Leafs in September kicks in to start the 2026-27 campaign.

He’s had an up-and-down, injury-riddled 2025–26 season, posting a 7-8-2 record to go with a 3.40 goals-against average and a .887 save percentage across 18 starts.

Johnson Also Threw Out the Edmonton Oilers

Vegas wasn’t the first Pacific Division contender Johnson wondered about as a fit for Stolarz. Last Friday, he proposed potentially retaining some of his $3.75 million salary to help facilitate a deal with the Edmonton Oilers.

Johnson said:

“Could you eat salary and send Stolarz to Edmonton or some team desperate for a goaltender?”