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Toronto Maple Leafs Slapped with Harsh Reality Regarding Anthony Stolarz
Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz is heading into the final year of his contract, and as it stands, a contract extension could be very costly.
Anthony Stolarz was one of the best goaltenders in the NHL last season, even if he only played 34 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
During those games, the goaltender had a goals-against average of 2.14 and a save percentage of .926. He even had four shutouts to make things more interesting.
However, there has been lots of talk about Stolarz's $2.5 million cap hit, and whether or not the Leafs will want to sign him to a contract extension.
Can the Toronto Maple Leafs afford Anthony Stolarz
The Leafs Nation recently wrote about this conundrum, noting how the Maple Leafs also have Joseph Woll, who is making more money right now.
The publication notes that Stolarz's next deal would probably be worth upwards of $4.2 million per season. As for his term, he is staring down two years.
However, a lot of this hinges on how many games he plays, and whether or not Woll ends up becoming the main starter. Needless to say, the Leafs will have to wait before making their move.
The risk to the Stolarz contract is that Woll establishes himself as the 1A. Woll is younger and still figuring things out. If Stolarz ends up taking a backseat this year it could impact his money.
The reality is that both the club and the goaltender are probably most comfortable playing the waiting game here and while it will bite at least one side in the ass, the Leafs would likely be comfortable paying a little more if Stolarz can add volume of starts to his impressive play.
The reality is that both the club and the goaltender are probably most comfortable playing the waiting game here and while it will bite at least one side in the ass, the Leafs would likely be comfortable paying a little more if Stolarz can add volume of starts to his impressive play.
Having Stolarz and Woll in the lineup for years to come really does feel like a pipe dream at this point, and it seems unrealistic.
We imagine the team will have to make a very tough decision at some point, and that point will come up on them fast.
Either way, the Maple Leafs have two solid goaltenders, and that is something to be excited about, at least for now.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 28 | 308 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs Slapped with Harsh Reality Regarding Anthony Stolarz Should the Toronto Maple Leafs bring back Anthony Stolarz? | ||
| YES | 292 | 94.8 % |
| NO | 16 | 5.2 % |
| List of polls | ||