The Toronto Maple Leafs are confronting a potential surplus of goaltenders as the NHL trade deadline approaches this Friday. With Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll already on the NHL roster and Dennis Hildeby likely to join next season, the team may need to consider moving one of its goaltenders, possibly involving Anthony Stolarz in a trade.
Depth in Goal Creating Roster Challenges for Toronto
Stolarz and Woll are each signed for at least two more years, and Dennis Hildeby, who is waiver eligible next season, is expected to remain with the NHL club instead of returning to the AHL. This situation has the Maple Leafs evaluating their goalie situation carefully, as the depth could force roster decisions before the trade deadline.
Scott Maxwell of Daily Faceoff analyzed this dilemma, noting,
“The Leafs have a looming logjam in net next season, with Stolarz and Joseph Woll both locked up for at least two years beyond this one, while Dennis Hildeby is waiver eligible next season and probably won’t make it back to the AHL,”
Maxwell writes.
“Hildeby and Woll have been the better goalies this season and both are younger, so they make more sense for a retooling team to build around.”
Complexities Surrounding a Potential Stolarz Trade
Despite making a trade seem logical due to the surplus, moving Stolarz is not straightforward. Finding the right trade partner could prove difficult, especially given Stolarz’s $3.75 million annual salary on a four-year extension starting next season.
Maxwell highlights the challenges:
“Stolarz has an extension kicking in next season at four years for $3.75 million per year,”
he writes.
“Will teams want to take on his contract considering his poor performance this season? Also, would it make sense for the Leafs to sell so low on him considering how good he’s been the past couple seasons? Maybe it’s a move better served for the summer.”
Other Prospects for Trade and What’s Next
While goalies like Stolarz may face uncertainty, other players such as soon-to-be unrestricted free agents Bobby McMann and Scott Laughton are more likely to be moved before the 3 p.m. ET trade deadline. Still, if any trades emerge in the goalie market, Stolarz could be included among them.
The Maple Leafs’ difficult decision reflects broader NHL trade dynamics, as teams balance contracts, performance, and future potential. The outcome of these decisions could significantly affect Toronto’s roster structure and strategies heading into the offseason.
