Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro | Imagn Images
Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz has finally opened up and revealed the nature of his injury, also providing a timeline for his return to action.
When Leafs netminder Anthony Stolarz first suffered his upper-body injury against the Boston Bruins, head coach Craig Berube and the Leafs expected him to return after just a few days.
Unfortunately, days became weeks, and weeks became months of silence before Berube revealed that the New Jersey native was seeking a second opinion, with his injury much more serious than originally thought.
Stolarz Joins Leafs on Road Trip
He quickly progressed from there, joining his teammates at practice. Although he returned to practice, there was still no timetable for his return, but it was expected that he would not return until after the Olympic break.
As the Leafs embarked on their current four-game road trip, however, Berube shared that Stolarz would accompany the team, and was hopeful he would return before the Olympic break.
Some were still skeptical, given that no one knew what the injury was or how severe it was, but a player doesn’t join a team for a road trip and participate in practice unless they are close to returning.
Stolarz Reveals Injury and Timetable for Return
After a backbreaking loss to Mitch Marner and the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, the Leafs held a surprise practice on Friday. Joseph Woll, who played last night, did not participate, leaving Stolarz to tend one of the nets himself.
Following practice, the former second-round pick finally broke his silence on his injury, revealing that it was a nerve issue that has kept him out of the lineup for two months.
Asked about a potential return date, Stolarz was optimistic it would be soon, saying that it would be just “a couple more practices” until he would feel comfortable returning.
With a return imminent, how the Leafs handle their three-headed monster in goal will be something to keep an eye on. Will they send Dennis Hildeby down? Likely. Is one going to be traded sooner than expected? Or will they go with a three-man rotation to keep everyone healthy for the playoffs?
All of those questions will be answered in time. For now, the Leafs will focus on ending their road trip with a win over the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday.
Previously on Toronto Hockey Daily