Anthony Stolarz’s Persistence Pays Off for Him and Toronto Maple Leafs – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

Anthony Stolarz is the new star of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Who is this giant on the bank? What is his hockey story?

Stolarz’s path through professional hockey has been a story of resilience, steady growth, and a string of memorable games. The two worked together to make him a valuable NHL producer. He was born on Jan. 20, 1994, in Edison, New Jersey, the 6-foot-6, 243-pounder’s journey began when the Philadelphia Flyers drafted him in the second round (45th overall) of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. His career has taken him to different leagues and teams, each season adding to his reputation as a reliable presence in the net.

Stolarz Rises Through the Ranks: Through the NAHL, OHL, AHL, to His Flyers Debut

Stolarz’s hockey career began in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) with the Corpus Christi IceRays, where he first showed his potential by playing in 50 games with a .920 save percentage (SV%) and 2.84 goals against and average (GAA) . After a stint at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, he moved on to the Ontario Hockey League’s (OHL) London Knights. With the Knights, he delivered outstanding performances, helping the team capture the OHL Championship in 2012-13. The following season, he posted an impressive .926 SV%.

Related: NHL rumors: Oilers, Maple Leafs, Predators, Blues

Stolarz spent his early professional years with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the American Hockey League (AHL). There, he gradually developed his skills. For most of the five seasons, he made himself a strong observer. His 18-9-0 record in 2016-17 with a .911 SV% caught the attention of the Flyers. His NHL debut with the Flyers came in the 2016-17 season, where he posted an impressive .928 SV% over seven games. These numbers showed his readiness for the NHL.

Overcoming Injuries, Team Changes, and Finding Stability with the Ducks

Injuries have been a recurring theme in Stlarz’s career and have limited his playing time. It’s also the reason why it took him so long to rise to the NHL. During the 2018-19 season, Stolarz had brief stints with the Flyers and Edmonton Oilers. In those early days of the NHL, he faced challenges as he adapted to new teams and styles of play. Despite these odds, he hung in there. He bounced back each time and eventually found a more secure spot with the Anaheim Ducks. That’s where he saw his most consistent NHL play – at least until this season.

With the Ducks, Stolarz put up solid numbers and grew into his role as a reliable backup. In the 2021-22 season, he played a career-high 28 matches. He was solid, recording a 2.67 GAA and a .917 SV%. His development in Anaheim prepared him for more prominent roles, proving that he can handle long stretches as a starter when called upon.

Stolarz’s Breakout Season in Florida Lands Him in Toronto

The 2023-24 season with the Florida Panthers marked the high point of Stlarz’s career. He played in 27 games with an impressive 2.03 GAA, .925 SV%, and two shutouts while helping his Panthers finish the regular season strong. His success in Florida solidified his value as a veteran goaltender capable of handling important minutes. He signed a two-year contract worth $2.5 million per year with the Maple Leafs through the 2024 season.

Related: Anthony Stolarz Adds Stability and Depth to Toronto Maple Leafs

Stolarz’s journey continues with the Maple Leafs and he has already made an impact this season in Ontario’s capital city. He posted a .928 SV% and a 2.12 GAA in nine games, and even better, helped bolster the team’s goaltending lineup. Approaching the prime of his career at age 30, Stolarz brings both experience and skill to Toronto. His journey reflects the persistence and adaptability that has defined his path throughout professional hockey.

From his early days in the minor leagues to a reliable NHL presence, Stlarz’s story is a testament to the value of steady growth and just hanging in there and keeping coming back. With each team and season, he has shown his ability to rise to the occasion. His current tenure with the Maple Leafs sharing the crease with Joseph Woll marks the latest chapter in a career that continues to flourish.

So far, very, very good! Stolarz looks like a goalkeeper.