I’ll first examine the team’s goalie position in this Toronto Maple Leafs News & Rumors edition. While most non-Maple Leafs pundits think it’s iffy because of the lack of experience, it could be quite the opposite. Second, it seems that new head coach Craig Berube is serious about giving William Nylander a chance at the center position and a good long look. Will the change work? What does William’s brother Alex have to say about that?
Related: 3 Maple Leafs Prospects to Watch During the Preseason
Third, one change that has not been made so far at training camp is that Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner remain together with their third pairing from last season — Matthew Knies. Why does that pairing make sense, at least at the start of the season?
Item 1: Stolarz Provides Possible Terrific Tandem with Woll
It seems clear that the Maple Leafs are counting on Joseph Woll to be their starting goaltender. They’ve invested in him with a three-year contract, and when he’s been on, he’s been solid. However, his biggest issue has been staying healthy, which has kept him from fully locking down the crease. The team brought an X-factor in Anthony Stolarz to address this uncertainty.
Stolarz may not have a wealth of NHL experience, but his recent performance with the Florida Panthers—where he posted a 16-7-2 record, 2.03 goals-against average, and .925 save percentage—shows he can deliver when needed. With both Woll and Stolarz in the fold, the team now has a solid goaltending tandem that, if they remain healthy, could provide the best netminding the team has seen in years.
(Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images),
Woll, developed by the Maple Leafs organization, will likely be the go-to guy. But if injury strikes or he falters, Stolarz is more than capable of stepping up. They offer Toronto a stable, potentially dominant duo to anchor the team’s playoff ambitions. This goalie tandem could be exceedingly good, or perhaps not. They will be a storyline to watch during the regular season.
Item 2: Alex Thinks Brother William Will Do Fine as a Center
One of the most significant pieces of news from training camp is that William Nylander will be given a long look at the center position. His younger brother, Alex, who signed an American Hockey League (AHL) deal with the Toronto Marlies this offseason, shared his thoughts on William’s transition…
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