NHL Insider Reveals Direct Comparables for Anthony Stolarz in Negotiations With Maple Leafs

With Anthony Stolarz's two-year, $5 million deal coming to a head this season, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been eager to sign him to an extension.

Even though he only played 34 games last year, Stolarz posted an impressive .926 save percentage before being sidelined in Game 1 against the Florida Panthers after a collision with Sam Bennett.

For a team that has struggled for years to find consistent goaltending, this kind of performance makes re-signing him a clear priority. The challenge, however, is that Stolarz isn't your typical goalie case.

At 31 years old, this was his first season cracking the 30-game mark, which makes comparables difficult to pin down. Still, recent reports from TSN's Darren Dreger point to two names Leafs fans can look at: Kevin Lankinen of the Vancouver Canucks and Karel Vejmelka of the Utah Mammoth.

Lankinen signed a five-year deal worth $4.5 million AAV despite posting just a .902 save percentage last year, and he's only one year younger than Stolarz.

Vejmelka, meanwhile, landed a five-year deal at $4.75 million AAV with the Mammoth. He played more games than Stolarz, but managed only a .904 save percentage, and is two years younger.

Not to mention that it's clear Stolarz wants to stay in Toronto, and that's worth something. It seems the Maple Leafs could have the next Swayman Ullmark on their hands with an absolutely rock solid tandem.

When stacked up against those numbers, Stolarz's value becomes clear. If the Maple Leafs can secure him at a similar cap hit, it would be a massive win. There's little debate that he's the most talented of the three, and if he can stay healthy, this deal could be a home run for Toronto.