Toronto Maple Leafs starting goalie Anthony Stolarz is entering the final year of his deal and dropped a bold four-word comment on a potential extension.
The Maple Leafs signed Stolarz to a two-year, $5 million deal, and he outperformed the deal in the first year. He took over as the starting goalie and was one of the best goalies in the NHL.
As he’s entering the final year of his deal, the Maple Leafs are looking to sign him to an extension. Yet, ahead of any extension, Stolarz says he needs to be paid fairly on his next deal.
“Just getting paid fairly,” Stolarz said to Leafs Morning Take. “Something that helps the team but at the same time, shows they believe in me. Like I said, I will leave that to the agent and Treliving, and for me, it’s about going out there and continuing to do what I do.”
As Stolarz says, his focus is on getting paid fairly. If he remains Toronto’s starting goalie, he will be in line for a big raise.
Stolarz went 21-8-3 with a 2.14 GAA and a .926 SV% as it was his first year as a true starting goalie in the NHL.
Toronto & Stolarz Are Discussing an Extension
Although Stolarz made his bold comment, Toronto and the goalie have started contract extension talks.
NHL insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported that contract talks have started but aren’t close.
“Contract talks are ongoing between the Toronto Maple Leafs and goalie Anthony Stolarz, but there is plenty of work to be done. As of Friday, they aren’t close to a deal,” Pagnotta wrote.
Meanwhile, fellow insider Kevin Weekes also confirmed that extension talks have started between Stolarz and the Maple Leafs.
“In speaking to involved parties, I’m told both sides are leaving no stone unturned in their discussions towards a potential extension for G Stolarz who was among the Top 5 for several goaltender metrics the last 2 seasons,” Weekes wrote on X.
Stolarz was selected 45th overall in the 2012 NHL Draft. He bounced around multiple teams before finally getting a chance to start for the Maple Leafs last season.
Stolarz won the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers in 2024.
Maple Leafs GM Discusses Potential Stolarz Extension
Toronto is in the early stages of a potential extension with Stolarz.
Ahead of training camp, Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving confirmed the sides are starting to talk.
“Anthony has come in and has been terrific,” Treliving said to The Athletic. “Really, him and (Joseph Woll), you look at any metric you want, I think they were as good a goaltending tandem as there was in the league, and really were a backbone for us.
“We’ve certainly explored some things with Anthony and his representative, and we’d love to find a way to get something done,” Treliving added. “If there’s something that both sides are comfortable with, we’ll look at it. And we’ve been in those discussions for some time right now. We’ll see what the coming days bring.’’
He’s appeared in just 142 career games and 8 playoff games.
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