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Maple Leafs have another intriguing option available with 40-win goaltender suddenly becoming a UFA
Photo credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a clear need for a goaltender with NHL experience following the latest update on Anthony Stolarz, and a veteran just became available.
There are growing concerns in Toronto that Leafs netminder Anthony Stolarz still could miss considerable time after suffering an injury just a couple of short weeks ago.
On Monday, Leafs head coach Craig Berube told the media that Stolarz is not close to returning, which creates a bit of a problem for the Leafs, who are riding Joseph Woll pretty hard right now.
The Leafs may need to bring in a veteran goaltender after recent news on Stolarz
An injury to Woll, with Stolarz already out, would likely erase any possibility of the Leafs turning their season around. Yes, they do have rookie Dennis Hildeby available to them, but the need for another goalie with NHL experience is clear -- and one new name just became available after a contract termination.
According to TSN's Chris Johnston, Alexandar Georgiev has cleared waivers and has had his contract terminated by the Buffalo Sabres this afternoon.
Georgiev far more experienced at the NHL level than Dennis Hildeby
Georgiev has more than 300 games of NHL experience under his belt, and while he has struggled in each of his last 3 seasons, he does have 5 NHL seasons where he has posted a .905 SV% or better, including a career-best .919 SV% in 62 starts in 2022-23. He won a career high 40 games that season.
The Leafs recently cut ties with Cayden Primeau, placing the former Canadiens goaltender on waivers after a short stint with the organization. He was reclaimed by the Carolina Hurricanes, who waived him just before the beginning of the season, so that takes him out of the picture for a return with the Leafs.
Georgiev becoming a UFA opens up a lot of possibilities for him. There is some speculation that perhaps he wishes to jump ship and join the KHL ranks, but perhaps a 1-year deal with the Leafs could help persuade him to remain in the NHL this season -- if there is interest from both parties.
Georgiev's numbers not great this season
The issue is that Georgiev has not played a game in the NHL this season, instead beginning his season with the Rochester Americans, playing 2 games and posting a record of 0-2-0 with a 3.57 GAA and a .896 SV%.
The good thing is that if the Leafs did want to bring in 29-year-old on a 1-year contract, he would come very cheap. Then, if/when Stolarz was able to return, they could simply waive or trade Georgiev and potentially recoup an asset.
At this point, there is nothing linking Georgiev to the Leafs officially, but with Brad Treliving being a GM who explores all of his options and talks to everybody, it would be surprising if he didn't at least put in a call to kick tires, given his clear need for a veteran backup goalie.
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