Anthony Stolarz is the Toronto Maple Leafs‘ new star goalkeeper. Who is this giant in the crease? What is his hockey history?

Stolarz’s journey through professional hockey has been a story of resilience, constant growth and a series of memorable games. These worked together to make him a valuable goaltender in the NHL. Born on January 20, 1994 in Edison, New Jersey, the 6-foot-6, 243-pound player’s journey began when the Philadelphia Flyers drafted him in the second round (45th overall) in the 2012 NHL Draft. Since then, his career has taken him through various leagues and teams, each season furthering his reputation as a reliable presence on the net.

Stolarz rose through the ranks: through the NAHL, OHL, AHL, until his debut with the Flyers

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 a goals against average of 2.84 (GAA). . After a brief stint at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, he joined the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). With the Knights, he delivered remarkable performances, help the team win the OHL championship in 2012-13. The following season, he posted an impressive 0.926 SV%.

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Stolarz spent his early professional years with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the American Hockey League (AHL). There he gradually perfected his skills. Over the course of five seasons, he established himself as a solid goalkeeper. 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 during the 2016-17 season, where he posted a remarkable .928 SV% over seven games. Those numbers indicated he was ready for the NHL.

Overcoming injuries, team transitions and finding stability with the Ducks

Injuries have been a recurring theme in Stolarz’s career and have limited his playing time. It’s also why it took him so long to work his way up to the NHL. During the 2018-19 season, Stolarz had a brief stint with the Flyers and Edmonton Oilers. In those early days in the NHL, he faced challenges as he adapted to new teams and new styles of play. Despite these setbacks, he held on. He bounced back each time and eventually found a safer place with the Anaheim Ducks. It was there that he had his most consistent play in the NHL – at least until this season.

With the Ducks, Stolarz posted solid numbers and became a reliable backup. During the 2021-22 season, he played in a career-high 28 games. He was solid, recording a 2.67 GAA and 0.917 SV. His development in Anaheim prepared him for even bigger roles, proving he could handle long stretches as a starter when called upon.

Stolarz’s Florida season brings him to Toronto

The 2023-24 season with the Florida Panthers marked a high point in Stolarz’s career. He played in 27 games with an impressive 2.03 GAA, 0.925 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 significant minutes. He signed a two-year contract worth $2.5 million per year with the Maple Leafs during the 2024 offseason.

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Stolarz’s journey continues with the Maple Leafs and he has already made an impact this season in the Ontario capital. He posted a 0.928 SV% and 2.12 GAA in nine games, and better yet, he helped solidify the team’s goaltending lineup. As he nears the peak of his career at age 30, Stolarz brings experience and skills to Toronto. His journey reflects the perseverance and adaptability that have defined his journey throughout professional hockey.

From his early days in the junior leagues to his reliable presence in the NHL, Stolarz’s story is a testament to the value of constant growth and simply hanging in there and coming back. With each team and season, he has demonstrated his ability to deliver. His current stint with the Maple Leafs shares the court with Joseph Woll marks the latest chapter in a career that continues to gain momentum.

So far, so good! Stolarz looks like a keeper.