Several storylines have emerged as the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare for game four on Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Kings. In this edition of Maple Leafs News & Rumors, I’ll explore the rise of Anthony Stolarz and the competition for the starting goalie spot, Timothy Liljegren’s uncertain future as trade rumors swirl, and how the captaincy has changed Auston Matthews’ game.
These three topics reflect the evolving dynamics within the team, from goaltending to defence and leadership.
Item 1: Is Anthony Stolarz Poised to Overtake Joseph Woll for the Maple Leafs’ Top Goalie Spot?
The excitement surrounding Joseph Woll entering the 2024-25 season was high following his solid playoff performance. However, Woll’s injury has kept him off the ice, and now Stolarz is making a serious push for the Maple Leafs’ starting goalie position.
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Signed as a backup, Stolarz has impressed. He’s stepped into the spotlight with poise and confidence. He’s well-spoken in interviews and answers questions intelligently. He’s also a commanding presence. (The photo below shows how he dwarfs the net.)
Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 243 pounds, his size and calm demeanour have helped keep Toronto competitive. Even if the stats don’t always reflect his impact, the impact is present. Stolarz’s experience splitting duties with Sergei Bobrovsky in Florida last season, where he posted a 16-7-2 record and a 2.03 goals-against average (GAA), shows he’s more capable of handling starting duties.
While Woll was seen as Toronto’s goalie of the future, his ongoing injury struggles have opened the door for Stolarz. If the towering netminder continues to play well, Woll could find himself in danger of losing the starting role before he even gets the chance to reclaim it.
Item 2: Is Timothy Liljegren on the Maple Leafs’ Trade Block?
As the Maple Leafs start their season with a 2-1-0 record, Timothy Liljegren’s absence from the lineup has been evident. The 24-year-old defenceman, who played a regular role last season, has yet to appear in the team’s first three games. Despite signing a new contract that pays him $3 million annually, Liljegren’s spot has been taken by Conor Timmins. That has fueled speculation that the 2017 first-round pick…
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