NHL Rumblings: Stolarz Sounds Off, Levi Trade Buzz, and Tuch's Price Tag
Following an overtime loss to the Seattle Kraken, Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz didn't mince words, openly criticizing his team's performance and defensive effort. His candid remarks come amidst other swirling NHL rumors, including potential trade interest in Buffalo Sabres goaltender Devon Levi and a hefty contract ask from forward Alex Tuch.
Stolarz, in his second season with the Leafs, expressed frustration with the team's slow start and inconsistent play. "It was a good third period, but in the first two periods, you know, we kind of let them walk all over us, and we just didn't play our game," Stolarz said after the 4-3 defeat. He emphasized that the Kraken simply outworked the Leafs, winning battles in front of the net and blocking shots. He also pointed to William Nylander's broken coverage on the play that led to the Kraken's overtime winner, highlighting a lack of defensive support. "Overtime, you can't let someone beat you up the ice there and gets a clear-cut breakaway," Stolarz lamented.
Stolarz also addressed an incident where he was run over by Kraken defenseman Mason Marchment, expressing his displeasure at not receiving more protection from his teammates. "I don't like having 225-pound guys laying on me," he stated. Head Coach Craig Berube also defended Stolarz, noting the team needs to do a better job protecting the crease. He also suggested the Leafs could learn from the Kraken's approach by getting to the net more aggressively. "Maybe we can take a page out of their book and start getting to the net," Stolarz said. "We like to go low to high and shoot, but for their goalie, it's like playing catch in the yard". With Joseph Woll away from the team on personal leave, the Leafs can ill afford to lose Stolarz for any length of time.
Meanwhile, in Buffalo, the Sabres find themselves with a crowded crease, leading to speculation about the future of goaltender Devon Levi. Once considered a potential star, Levi, now 23, has struggled to establish himself in the NHL and is currently behind Alex Lyon, Alexander Georgiev, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, and Colton Ellis in the pecking order. While Luukkonen is considered the starter when healthy, his injury history could open opportunities for others. However, Levi has not seized those opportunities and has not shown significant progress in the AHL with the Rochester Americans. According to Jeff Marek on "The Sheet" podcast, there is considerable trade interest in Levi. The Sabres acquired Levi in 2021 from the Florida Panthers along with a first-round pick in exchange for Sam Reinhart.
Adding to the Sabres' storyline is the ongoing contract negotiation with forward Alex Tuch. Tuch is entering the final year of his contract, and negotiations for an extension have reportedly stalled. While Tuch has publicly stated his desire to remain in Buffalo, the two sides are seemingly far apart on financial terms. Reports suggest that Tuch is seeking a contract worth at least $10 million per season, a figure the Sabres have not yet approached. Some believe Tuch's camp is looking to more than double his current price tag. With the NHL potentially implementing a playoff salary cap starting in 2026, some teams might be willing to pay a premium for a top-six forward like Tuch. If the Sabres and Tuch cannot reach an agreement, he could become a valuable trade asset. Several teams, including the Edmonton Oilers, have been rumored to have interest in Tuch.
Finally, the Ottawa Senators have reportedly offered Shane Pinto an eight-year contract extension.
