Anthony Stolarz injury update: Maple Leafs HC Craig Berube hints early return for $5,000,000 goalie

Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz might return earlier than expected. Recovering from knee surgery, he joined Friday's team practice for the first time since his Dec. 12 injury.

On the same day, NHL insider Mark Masters shared a clip of Stolarz practicing on the ice and tweeted:

"Anthony Stolarz taking part in Leafs practice for first time since injury on Dec. 12."

Coach Craig Berube also shared details about his recovery and return timeline:

"He’s in a good spot right now. Maybe a little ahead of schedule, I’m not sure exactly on that, but I don’t think it’s going to be a whole lot longer."

According to PuckPedia, Stolarz is signed to a two-year, $5,000,000 contract with a $2,500,000 cap hit. He had surgery on Dec. 18 to remove a loose body from his knee. His recovery timeline was set at 4-6 weeks. He sustained the injury during Dec. 12's 3–2 win over Anaheim, but no structural damage was found.

Before the injury, Stolarz played 17 games this season, recording a 9-5-2 record with a 2.15 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage. In wins, his GAA improved to 1.81, with a .937 SV%.

In his absence, Joseph Woll stepped up as the primary goalie. Woll has a 2.69 GAA and a .907 SV% in 25 games. While solid in wins, his numbers dip in losses, with a GAA of 3.97 and a .856 SV%.

Stolarz’s return would provide the much-needed support for Woll and strengthen the Leafs’ goaltending. Over his career, Stolarz has played 125 NHL games, posting a 2.61 GAA, .916 SV% and nine shutouts. His NHL career record stands at 52-36-11.

Anthony Stolarz's teammate failed to guard net in Wednesday's loss against Blue Jackets

The Toronto Maple Leafs have gone 12-7-1 in the 20 games Anthony Stolarz has missed due to his December injury. On Wednesday, they lost 5–1 to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Goalie Dennis Hildeby recorded a 4.05 GAA and an SV% of .778, making 14 saves out of 18 shots.

Adam Fantilli scored first with a short-handed goal in the first period, beating Hildeby with a blocker-side shot. In the second period, James van Riemsdyk scored from the low slot after a pass from Luca Del Bel Belluz, making it 2–0. Fantilli then scored his second goal pushing the lead to 3–0.

Del Bel Belluz scored from close range in the third period, extending the lead to 4–0. Auston Matthews responded with a goal for Toronto, assisted by William Nylander to make it 4–1. Fantilli completed his hat trick with an empty-net goal, securing the 5–1 win.