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Panthers' $69M star places high hopes on Anthony Stolarz's future as Maple Leafs goalie
Florida Panthers star forward Sam Reinhart has high praise for former teammate Anthony Stolarz. Stolarz signed a two-year, $5 million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 1 to compete for the starting job.
Although Stolarz has never been a full-time starter in the NHL, Reinhart, who signed an eight-year, $69 million extension with Florida this offseason, expects his former goalie to do well in Toronto.
“[Stolarz] has a good chance to be that goalie for that organization that they’ve needed,” Reinhart told The Hockey News. “He was unbelievable. One, his personality off the ice is top-notch. It’s something that anyone would want in their room. I’m excited to see [that happen] for him as a person.”
It is high praise for Stolarz who will compete with Joseph Woll for the starting job. However, it is expected that Woll will start more games than Stolarz if he can stay healthy, which has been an issue.
But Reinhart is confident his former teammate will steal the job and become the franchise goalie for the Maple Leafs.
Anthony Stolarz was selected 45th overall in the 2012 NHL draft by the Philadelphia Flyers. The American has bounced around teams, but last season with Florida, he went 16-7-2 with a 2.03 GAA and a .925 SV%.
Anthony Stolarz eager to compete for starting job
Anthony Stolarz was one of the top goalies available in free agency, and he signed a two-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Part of the reason why Stolarz signed in Toronto was due to the fact he could compete for the starting job.
"I'm super excited," Stolarz said, via NHL. "It's a historic organization, and I know a few of the guys on the team already, so the transition will be nice. There's an opportunity I felt. In Florida, I kind of knew my role as a backup, whereas here, (Joseph) Woll and I are going to be competing for starts, and as a goalie, that's all you can ask for."
Although the Maple Leafs did extend Joseph Woll for three more seasons before signing Anthony Stolarz, the American said all he wanted was a chance, which he is getting in Toronto.
"Only one of us can play, and you want to get as many starts as you can," Stolarz said. "When my name is called, I want to go in there and kind of seize the opportunity, but at the same time too, when I'm not, I pride myself on being a good teammate. I'm going to support Woll and push him throughout the year."
The Maple Leafs will open their 2024-25 NHL season on the road on Oct. 9 against the Montreal Canadiens.
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