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Leafs Goaltender Anthony Stolarz Compares Himself to a Boston Bruins Legend
Photo credit: Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz is about to embark on what could be a career-defining season, and he is already comparing himself to legends.
Anthony Stolarz has officially signed his new four-year, $15 million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and he is feeling pretty good about it.
Overall, the goaltender has had a lot of good things to say about the Toronto market, which is always nice when you consider the recent negativity.
Going into the season, Stolarz will be the number one, especially with Joseph Woll on a leave of absence. Having said that, the fans are eager to see if the goaltender can carry the team on his back.
Is Anthony Stolarz like Tim Thomas?
Recently, Stolarz sat down for an interview with Jonas Siegel of The Athletic, where they discussed the netminder's willingness to remain with the Leafs franchise.
Overall, the goaltender was very honest about his career so far and how he hopes to have lots of longevity in the league. It is why he worked out so hard this Summer.
Having said that, in the new piece from The Athletic, Stolarz admitted that he is a late-bloomer, and that he wants to be the next Tim Thomas.
Coming off the first major extension of his career in his 30s, Anthony Stolarz sees himself as the next great late-blooming goaltender in the NHL, pointing to and hopefully following in the footsteps of former Bruins goalie Tim Thomas, who also didn't become a regular NHL starter until his 30s.
This past summer (before the contract was signed and coming off the injury in the playoffs), Stolarz focused on getting his body and mind in shape, improved his cardio, and trimmed body fat with cleaner eating. He also added 5 pounds to his already massive 6-foot-6 frame, all part of a push to play at a high level for longer.
This past summer (before the contract was signed and coming off the injury in the playoffs), Stolarz focused on getting his body and mind in shape, improved his cardio, and trimmed body fat with cleaner eating. He also added 5 pounds to his already massive 6-foot-6 frame, all part of a push to play at a high level for longer.
Of course, Thomas was a stud for the Boston Bruins who won the team a Stanley Cup in 2011 after spending the first decade of his career struggling for an opportunity.
If Stolarz can repeat Thomas' success, then the Toronto Maple Leafs are certainly going to send his jersey to the rafters someday.
Of course, the goaltender is going to have to prove it first. Although we certainly have a belief in him.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 30 | 330 ANSWERS Leafs Goaltender Anthony Stolarz Compares Himself to a Boston Bruins Legend Do you believe Anthony Stolarz is comparable to Tim Thomas? | ||
| YES | 243 | 73.6 % |
| NO | 87 | 26.4 % |
| List of polls | ||