Anthony Stolarz's Future with the Toronto Maple Leafs in Question Following Goalie Signing

Just a few hours ago, the Toronto Maple Leafs signed goaltender Dennis Hildeby to a three-year deal, worth just over $840K per year.

The first two years of this deal are on a two-way basis, while the third year is a one-way, NHL-level contract. Needless to say, the Maple Leafs believe in the third-string goaltender.

This creates a bit of a conundrum for Anthony Stolarz, who is entering the final year of his two-season, $2.5 million AAV deal with the Maple Leafs.

There haven't been any contract extension talks, and with Hildeby locked in, it does feel as though the Leafs are making a statement about Stolarz's future.

A two-way deal wouldn't exactly say anything about Stolarz. However, the fact that this deal for Hildeby eventually goes one way shows that the Leafs are putting their future in the hands of Hildeby and Woll.

With Stolarz playing so well, his next deal would be for three or four years. The Leafs simply wouldn't commit to that with Woll and Hildeby also locked up.

This creates a scenario where the Maple Leafs may even decide to trade Stolarz this season, knowing they can get great value for him.

Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers are desperate for a goalie. Perhaps general manager Brad Treliving can capitalize on that desperation.

Ultimately, all the Maple Leafs can ask for right now is that Stolarz plays as well as he can, given the circumstances.

If he signs with someone else next summer, then so be it. If that is the path the Leafs want to go down, fans will simply have to follow suit.