Leafs May Not Be Comfortable with Expected Contract Extension Number for Anthony Stolarz
Photo credit: Daily Faceoff
Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz is eligible to sign a contract extension in Toronto on July 1st, but one ex-NHL goalie says the team won't like the asking price.
One of the summer additions that the Toronto Maple Leafs made last year was goaltender Anthony Stolarz, who had just served as backup goaltender with the Florida Panthers behind Sergei Bobrovsky for their Stanley Cup run.
Stolarz agreed to a 2-year, $5 million deal with an AAV (average annual value) of $2.5 million. He had impressive stats in his 1st year with the Maple Leafs, going 21-8-3 with a solid 2.14 GAA, a .914 SV% and 4 shutouts.
What kind of deal could he expect if the Maple Leafs and GM Brad Treliving decide to keep him around long-term?
Former NHL goaltender Carter Hutton speculated that Stolarz's next deal could look similar to deals signed by Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill and Utah Mammoth goaltender Karel Vejmelka.
"I think it's gotta start with a 6, it's gotta start with a 6. When I look at Kevin Lankinen, when I look at Karel Vejmelka's deal, I look at some of these guys. Yes, there's always this age difference, right? But when you look at two consistent years of being really good..."
Stolarz helped Toronto beat their divisional
and provincial foes, the Ottawa Senators, in Round 1 before having to face the Panthers in the 2nd round.
and provincial foes, the Ottawa Senators, in Round 1 before having to face the Panthers in the 2nd round.
Unfortunately, Stolarz lasted barely over a full period of play in Game 1 after being run into by ex-teammate Sam Bennett. Following the hit, he was seen vomiting over the bench and was even later reportedly stretchered out of the arena.
He didn't play for the rest of the post-season and was replaced by Joseph Woll as the starter. The Leafs were beaten in 7 games.
Stolarz certainly deserves a raise, but I'm not sure it would be a wise decision to commit a lot of cap dollars or term to an aging goalie, as goalies are prone to ups and downs, especially as they get older.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 16 | 5398 ANSWERS Leafs May Not Be Comfortable with Expected Contract Extension Number for Anthony Stolarz Would you be comfortable offering Anthony Stolarz a contract starting at a base AAV of $6 million? | ||
| Yes | 3173 | 58.8 % |
| No | 2225 | 41.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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