Leafs Coach Craig Berube May Have Just Revealed Anthony Stolarz's Expected Return Date

There was some intrigue and mystery during today's practice session when both Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz were taking part in their usual game day routines.

Woll was not taking part in today's game-day skate, whereas Stolarz was taking reps in the starter's crease, giving way to a potential return from a near 2-month stint on the IR.

Craig Berube eventually announced that Woll would get the start for the 4th straight game, but hinted that Stolarz could be in goal on Thursday night when the road trip continues with a pit stop in Seattle.

The former second round pick from the 2012 NHL Entry Draft had been a revelation in goal this year for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He sported a 9-5-2 record with a 2.15 GAA and a .927 SV% that was tops in the league in his 17 games before the injury,

He was forced out of their contest against Anaheim on the 12th of December before undergoing a minor procedure on his knee that landed him on the IR.

With several practice sessions under his belt, the 6'6 goaltender looks to be on the verge of making his return, which is fantastic news for player, team, and Joseph Woll, who has assumed the lion's share of starts during his absence.

In the 23 games since Stolarz's injury, the Maple Leafs have stumbled to a 13-10-0 record and Woll has seen action in 17 of those games with a 10-7-0 record, .903 SV%, and a 2.95 GAA. If Stolarz can make his return before the 4-Nations Face-Off, that would alleviate a lot of pressure of off Woll and give him some much needed rest.

Before his injury, the Leafs utilized a timeshare for both goaltenders, which is something that will probably make a return, especially with the amount of back-to-backs on deck after the 4-Nations Face-Off tournament comes to a close.

With both Woll and Stolarz in goal, the Maple Leafs have a much better chance at making a deep run in the post-season as evidenced by their play before the 12th of December, when they sported a much more formidable 18-9-2 record.