Maple Leafs Coach Craig Berube Reveals His Plans For Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube has tipped his hand and revealed what his plans are for goaltenders Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll this season.
Last season, the Maple Leafs dealt with more than their fair share of injury issues, including in net, as both Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz missed time.
Thankfully, the Leafs were fortunate to have two skilled goaltenders in their employ, and regardless of who played each night, both Woll and Stolarz were able to provide quality starts and steal games for the Buds.
Woll began last season on injured reserve after tweaking something during the pre-season. That led to Stolarz going on the run of his life, outright stealing the number one role before he sustained a knee injury and required surgery.
Coming into this year, there have been questions about how the starts would be split up between the Leafs' tandem, but earlier this week, Leafs coach Craig Berube ended the speculation when he spoke about how he plans to utilize Stolarz and Woll.
I don't think it changes from last year. I think we have a great tandem here. You have to use both guys, especially in today's game with the schedule being the way it is. Both goalies are going to play. It'll play itself out throughout the season, but I see both goalies getting significant starts throughout the year.
While Stolarz was certainly the better of the two netminders on paper, he was limited to just 34 games last season, with Joseph Woll appearing in 42 games. Both goaltenders appeared in 7 playoffs games apiece, as Stolarz vacated the ice early in Game 1 against Florida after taking an elbow from Sam Bennett, which caused a concussion.
If I had to venture to guess how the starts would be split this season, I'd imagine that if both goaltenders can stay healthy, Stolarz might edge out Woll for starts, but it will depend heavily on their play as well.
Stolarz is coming to camp highly motivated as he is reportedly looking to sign an extension with the Leafs. There is mutual interest in getting a deal done, but what that deal might look like is still being ironed out behind the scenes.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 14 | 1919 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Coach Craig Berube Reveals His Plans For Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll Which goalie do you see putting up more wins in 2025-26? | ||
| Woll | 316 | 16.5 % |
| Stolarz | 1603 | 83.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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