Anthony Stolarz (Image Via Twitter) The Toronto Maple Leafs prepare to enter the new hockey season with excitement and high expectations. Fans are keenly watching moves involving the roster as the team attempts to solidify its defense and find stability in goal. Goaltending has been an area of focus for Toronto, and all eyes are on Anthony Stolarz, who is about to take center stage in the team’s plans. With this in mind, fans will be expecting that this newfound optimism will lead to a season where good goaltending will surely be rewarded.
Anthony Stolarz extension confirmed: Kevin Weekes first hinted at the deal
Before the agreement was reached, Weekes hinted through social media. Later, Weekes said Per sources, “I’m told the @MapleLeafs and G Stolarz have agreed in principle to $15 over 4 Year Contract Extension that’s largely signing bonus money. Given the unknown return date for G Woll, this was a mutual priority.”With an average annual value ($3.75 million AAV) more than friendly to the team when compared to the deals of many of today’s NHL starting goalies that have been signed between $7 and $8 million AAV, this contract is indeed a bargain. In fact, this cap hit ranks Stolarz 26th among all NHL goaltenders, which is quite the bargain for Toronto, reveals David Alter. Last year, Stolarz posted a league-top .926 save percentage and a 2.14 goals-against average while seeing action in only 33 games because of a knee injury and a concussion suffered during the playoffs.
Stolarz’s performance solidifies his role as Toronto’s goalie
Stolarz had made it known that it might be possible for him to try out his options in Toronto, a set of possibilities that could further be ruled out with the signing of this extension, as Toronto presumably now commits to him as a key goaltender. The fans and analysts are in consensus that the agreement with Stolarz is giving stability and confidence entering the regular season. Toronto now looks to keep this dependable netminder to work with them for a playoff push.Now with the four-year extension behind them, Anthony Stolarz will stay a cornerstone for the Maple Leafs’ goaltending. This team-friendly and performance-proven contract will afford Toronto some offensive stability in net and provide a strong platform for this team to look toward making a deeper playoff run late this season.Also Read: Anaheim Ducks lock down star center Mason McTavish with blockbuster six-year deal