Stanley Cup-winning goaltender Anthony Stolarz reveals reason behind joining Toronto Maple Leafs

Anthony Stolarz just won his first Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers. However, upon entering the free agency on Jul. 1st, he was not offered an extension by the Panthers. Thus, he signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Jul. 2nd, on a two-year, $5 million contract. This was surprising as he had a great season with the Panthers.

Stolarz was 16-7-2 with two shutouts in 27 regular-season games. He led the National Hockey League with a 2.03 goals-against average and a .925 save percentage. Stolarz explained his reasons for joining the Maple Leafs on "The Leafs Nation" podcast.

"I just thought that Toronto was the best fit just in terms of an opportunity." Stolarz said, "A team that is a very strong contender. And, you know, obviously going to a city like Toronto, it's something I'm looking forward to and I'm really excited for it...,"

Stolarz also talked about Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll. He was a fan favorite last season for almost bailing out the Leafs with two elimination game victories before his injury.

"I've heard nothing but great things [about Woll]." Stolarz said, "He reached out when I first signed and we just kind of, you know, shot a little text over. We have the same agent and my agent had nothing but great things to say about him,"

Stolarz's addition to the Maple Leafs will give them options in goaltending. Toronto will look to secure its first Stanley Cup since 1967.

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Brad Treliving's statement after Anthony Stolarz joined the Toronto Maple Leafs

Anthony Stolarz is excited to join the Toronto Maple Leafs. He looks forward to competing for a start with Joseph Woll. In his one playoff appearance with the Florida Panthers, Stolarz allowed three goals on 19 shots. Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving praised Stolarz's experience backing top goaltenders like Sergei Bobrovsky.

"If you look at his career, he's played as a backup to some top-level goaltending, so there wasn't a lot of net there," Treliving said on Jul. 2nd (via NHL.com) "There wasn't going to be a lot of starts. He's big, he's athletic. I think goaltenders as we all know they take some time to mature in their game. I think he's done that.

The Maple Leafs have re-signed Woll to a three-year deal starting in 2025-26. Stolarz plans to support Woll and make the most of any chance to play. Stolarz, drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2012, has a record of 43-31-9 with a 2.69 GAA and .915 SV% in 108 NHL games.