Welcome back to another episode of NHL Rumours with us here at Last Word On Hockey, and for this one we travel to Leaf land. The Toronto Maple Leafs are the source of our rumours, and we discuss one of their up-and-comers, probably better suited as ‘have arrived’ players. So, let’s check out what will happen when the cheque-books open, and he gets to pick his value, within reason.
NHL Rumours: The Leafs and We Discuss Future UFA
Rumour: Today we check in with the big boss, and Elliotte Friedman from 32 Thoughts the Podcast. Friedman was pontificating on what dollar amount could be in the UFA’s future, specifically referencing a recent comparable.
Analysis: If you haven’t figured it out yet, we are referring to Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz. From what Friedman suggested, it does make sense. The Leafs don’t want him leaving and he is going to get a fair offer, in all likelihood.
Friedman opened the conversation, with Stolarz rating as an NHL goaltender. Stolarz actually led the entire NHL with a .926 save percentage in 2024-25. Also, he had a terrific record at 21-8-3 that included four shutouts. So, the idea is that he is in the conversation as an NHL starter, at the very least a 1-A calibre backstop.
However, Stolarz is not without his possible flaws. He’s battled through injuries throughout his career, and everyone’s now hoping that’s in the rearview. At 31-years-old, last year was actually his NHL career high in games played (34). Therefore, the Leaf management would use that as a bargaining tool through his negotiations. This upcoming year’s success will play a big role in what he ultimately signs for.
After All, It Is a Numbers Game
From our NHL Rumours, big picture for the Leafs, the situation between Stolarz and Joseph Woll is ideal. Within the negotiation process, that will factor in as well. Woll currently makes $3.67 million per season, until the summer of 2028. They need to land on a number that is fair for Stolarz and fits for the team dynamic.
The one recent comp that Friedman mentioned was Spencer Knight of the Chicago Blackhawks. Knight’s situation is a bit different, as he is younger and was a restricted free agent. However, his dollar amount around $5.8 million annually, could be seen as something to based Stolarz price-tag on. Knight would fit the bill of that starter, 1-A type calibre. Not to mention the fact, that this deal just happened, and covers the next few years. That is important as we are all anticipating a salary cap increase and a possible change in the dynamic for contract dollar amounts.
Even David Pagnotta, from the Fourth Period weighed in on the situation recently, suggesting that there’s still lot’s of work yet to come to get a deal signed, sealed, and delivered. Stolarz would clearly want to optimize his value. At his age, he is only going to get a shot or two left at decent pay. He’s in Toronto and in the conversation for number one, that means something. He’s going to have to keep in mind the team dynamic, but don’t look for him to take much of a bargain deal. Negotiations could come down to the wire, but if they do, we can say it was somewhat expected.
Main Photo: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
The post NHL Rumours and an Important Upcoming UFA for Toronto Maple Leafs appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.