Maple Leafs Players Appear to be Backing Goalie as the New Number One in Town

Heading into the 2024-25 season, the Toronto Maple Leafs' goaltending situation seemed set to be an even tandem between Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz. However, after Woll encountered some injury troubles and Stolarz stepped up with his impressive play in Woll's absence, it appears the tandem may be giving way to a more traditional starter/backup setup.

Stolarz has emerged as the team's new number one goalie, that much has become clear. Some Maple Leafs players are taking notice of the shift in the goaltending situation and are confident moving forward.

Matthew Knies had this to say on Stolarz, as per Nick Barden on X:

Knies' comments about Stolarz are just a small taste of many in the Leafs' locker room, and Stolarz appreciates every ounce of the support he's been getting.

When Stolarz signed in Toronto, his goal was always to become the number one goalie. However, that ambition seemed a bit far-fetched at first and not necessarily something that would materialize so early in the season.

Stolarz has been outstanding through his first nine games as a Maple Leaf, posting a 5-2-2 record with an impressive .928 save percentage and a goals-against average of 2.12. He has also been a key factor in many victories, often with highlight-reel saves.

The former Florida Panthers goalie is coming off his best performance of the season, shutting out the Maple Leafs' rival Boston Bruins 4-0 in a 29-save effort. Stolarz has now firmly taken over the starting role, and it will be up to Joseph Woll to try to reclaim it, but it certainly won't be easy.

Having two solid goalies is never a problem, and in Toronto's case, it's a welcomed situation. Both goalies will need to stay at the top of their game to continue to earn their starts moving forward, but that shouldn't be a problem for Stolarz, who has been lights out to begin the season.