Toronto Maple Leafs in extension talks with goalie Anthony Stolarz after breakout NHL season

The Toronto Maple Leafs are moving early to secure one of their biggest success stories from last season. General manager Brad Treliving confirmed to The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun that extension discussions with goaltender Anthony Stolarz have been ongoing “for some time,” with multiple options on the table. Stolarz, who turned heads with a breakout year in Toronto, is entering the final season of his current two-year contract.Stolarz emerged as one of the NHL’s most reliable goaltenders in 2024-25, finishing with a league-best .926 save percentage across 33 starts. His efforts earned him a fifth-place finish in Vezina Trophy voting, as well as a 21-8-3 record, 2.14 goals-against average, and four shutouts. According to MoneyPuck, his 0.779 goals saved above expected per 60 minutes led all NHL netminders with at least 15 appearances, placing him ahead of eventual Vezina winner Connor Hellebuyck.His consistency between the pipes has prompted the Maple Leafs to pursue an extension, with Treliving noting that talks have been underway for a while.The Leafs’ interest in an extension is also tied to their tandem structure. Joseph Woll, 27, begins a three-year, $11 million extension this season, carrying a $3.67 million cap hit through 2027-28. Together, Woll and Stolarz form one of the league’s more affordable and effective duos.AFP Analytics projects a two-year extension for Stolarz worth just over $4.25 million annually, though Toronto could consider a three-year deal to stagger contract expiries. For comparison, recent goaltender extensions for Logan Thompson ($5.85M AAV) and Adin Hill ($6.25M AAV) show the Leafs would retain strong value if they lock Stolarz in now.For Toronto, extending Stolarz is both a reward for his standout play and a strategic move to solidify their crease long-term. His rise from dependable backup to Vezina-caliber performer gives the Maple Leafs confidence in their tandem approach, and keeping him alongside Woll could ensure stability in goal as they continue to chase a championship.Also Read: Dylan Holloway admits Edmonton Oilers contract negotiations left him disappointed before St. Louis Blues move