At his end-of-season media availability, Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving gave Woll a vote of confidence, which all but signaled the end of Ilya Samsonov's time as a Leaf. That was confirmed when the Leafs announced that they had signed Stolarz to a two-year deal when free agency opened on July 1st.
Neither Woll or Stolarz has played more than 30 games in a season, so it will be a test for both heading into next year, but Martin Biron believes the Leafs are in a better position goaltending-wise than they were last year.
Many Leafs fans would agree with Biron. Samsonov had a wildly up-and-down season and had it not been for injuries, Woll would have certainly kept the number one job. As long as Woll can stay healthy, and Stolarz is more consistent than Samsonov was, the Leafs should have much more confidence in the crease.
If needed, the Leafs also have a healthy Matt Murray that is looking to prove himself after rehabbing a double-hip surgery last season. With the lack of heavy workload previously for Stolarz and Woll, how Craig Berube divides up starts will be something to keep an eye on. Will he roll the hot goalie? Will he alternate as much as possible to keep them fresh? We won't have answers to those questions for another couple of months at least.
Source: Hockey ReferenceAnthony Stolarz Stats
POLL | ||
31 JUILLET | 1427 ANSWERS Analyst shares where his concerns lie with the new Leafs goaltending duo Who will start more games for the Maple Leafs in 2024-25? | ||
Woll | 1045 | 73.2 % |
Stolarz | 328 | 23 % |
Murray | 54 | 3.8 % |
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