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Stolarz projected starter vs. Canadiens, McCabe, Kampf participate in Leafs’ optional skate

Originally posted on TheLeafsnation | By Arun Srinivasan | Last updated Apr 12, 2025 11:00 AM ET

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz is the projected starter for Saturday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens.

Stolarz won his past six starts, posting a 19-8-3 record in 32 appearances with a .922 save percentage. The 31-year-old will likely be the Maple Leafs’ playoff starter although head coach Craig Berube has not formally made a declaration.

Joseph Woll will likely start Sunday’s contest against the Carolina Hurricanes as a result.

Jake McCabe and David Kampf were among the participants at the Leafs’ optional skate. McCabe has missed the past three games with an undisclosed injury. Berube indicated Friday that McCabe would return before the end of the regular season, although he won’t play in Sunday’s game. McCabe has recorded two goals and 23 points in 66 games this season, while operating as Toronto’s best point-of-attack defender.

Kampf is also missing his fourth consecutive game with an upper-body injury. The 30-year-old has recorded five goals and 13 points in 59 games, while providing value on the penalty kill.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson has been ruled out of Saturday’s game as well, and the Maple Leafs will play with five defencemen as a result. Chris Tanev will be paired with Simon Benoit, and may have to play overflow minutes with Philippe Myers.

Toronto holds a narrow two-point lead over the Tampa Bay Lightning for the top spot in the Atlantic Division, with four games remaining and every point is critical. Montreal can clinch its playoff spot with a win in regulation, or an overtime/shootout win, combined with a Columbus Blue Jackets loss to the Washington Capitals, or one point combined with a Blue Jackets loss, or an overtime win combined with a Blue Jackets loss in overtime or a shootout.