Anthony Stolarz struggled during the 2025-26 season after beginning as Toronto’s starting goaltender while Joseph Woll was away. He faced a heavy workload and had poor early results, setting a negative tone. After a 4-3 overtime loss to the Seattle Kraken, he criticized Toronto’s effort and offensive approach, arguing the team was not making it difficult enough for the opponent. He also reacted to a hit from Mason Marchment, later walking back comments and taking responsibility for his own early-season play. An upper-body injury occurred on November 11 against the Boston Bruins, further complicating his season. Despite the setbacks, Stolarz is preparing for a four-year contract extension with a pay raise next season.
"“It's just playing hard. Maybe we can take a page out of their book and start getting to the net,” Stolarz said. “For us, we like to go low to high and shoot, but for their goalie, it's like playing catch in the yard: you're seeing everything. We're not making it difficult. We made it difficult in the third, and look what happened. We came out, tied the game, got a point out of it, almost scored with five seconds left. But it's a little, too little, too late.”"
"Stolarz was especially critical of the way his team responded after he took a hit from Mason Marchment, saying he was “not happy” with the contact. He later walked back his comments, taking accountability for his own poor play through the start of the year."
"Stolarz began the season as Toronto's starting goaltender, as Joseph Woll took a leave of absence for personal reasons. The 32-year-old struggled early in the year while taking on a heavy workload, setting the tone for what would be a rough season."
"Now, he's set to begin a four-year contract extension with a pay raise next season. Stolarz finding his game again will be a key for the Leafs entering the Fall."
Read at TheLeafsNation
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