Anthony Stolarz is beginning to round the corner as he looks to return to the Toronto Maple Leafs crease after over two months sidelined by injury.

Stolarz, who is in his second season with the Leafs, hasn’t played since Nov. 11 due to an upper-body injury. While a return isn’t imminent, it sounds as though there is a legitimate chance he is finally back in net before the Olympic break begins on Feb. 6.

“He’s getting pretty close,” head coach Craig Berube told reporters on Monday. “Just needs the reps, needs the conditioning.”

Craig Berube on Anthony Stolarz: “He’s getting pretty close. Just needs the reps, needs the conditioning.”

There’s a chance Stolarz plays before Olympic break.


— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) January 12, 2026

 

The 31-year-old was spotted on the ice practicing with his teammates on Monday morning. It marked the first time he’s skated with them since suffering his injury.

Anthony Stolarz is joining the #Leafs for morning skate today. First time he has skated with the group since his injury.

⁦@BodogCA⁩ pic.twitter.com/qEmRa2J3bJ


— David Alter (@davidalter) January 12, 2026

 

Stolarz, like many Leafs, struggled early in the season, posting a 3.51 GAA along with a .884 SV% and a 6-5-1 record through 13 appearances. 

Despite his early struggles, Stolarz, when healthy, has proven to be a very solid NHL netminder. In 34 appearances with the Leafs in 2024-25, he put up a sparkling 2.14 GAA and a .926 SV percentage.

In Stolarz’ absence, the Leafs have been running with Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby. Woll in particular has been excellent, compiling a 2.46 GAA and a .921 SV percentage through 17 games.

After really struggling through the first few months of the season, the Leafs have been picking things up as of late. They are currently riding a three-game winning streak, and are 7-2-1 in their last 10. The hot stretch has them just one point behind the Washington Capitals for a wild-card position.

Once the Leafs are finally able to add Stolarz back into the mix, it should only help the team further as they look to fight their way into a playoff spot for the tenth-straight season.

Lead photo by

Nick Turchiaro/Imagn Images