The Toronto Maple Leafs enter the 2025-26 NHL season with a revamped roster and heightened expectations, and the stability in their goaltending duo of Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll is a key factor in their quest for success. After years of uncertainty and inconsistent performances in net, the Leafs appear to have finally found a reliable tandem that can provide the backbone for a deep playoff run.
Anthony Stolarz, acquired in free agency in 2024, emerged as the team's preferred option in goal last season. Despite initial expectations of playing behind Woll, Stolarz seized the opportunity due to an injury to Woll and delivered consistently strong performances. His impressive .926 save percentage and 2.14 goals-against average ranked among the league's best. Stolarz's stellar play earned him an "A-" grade for his performance last season. After suffering a concussion during the playoffs, Stolarz has been working hard in the offseason to prepare for the upcoming season. According to his goaltending coach, Stolarz is motivated and determined to bring a title to Toronto.
Joseph Woll, drafted by the Maple Leafs in 2016, has developed into a legitimate NHL goaltender. Last season, he posted a solid 27-14-1 record with a 2.73 GAA and a .909 save percentage. Woll proved his reliability when Stolarz was sidelined with a knee injury, maintaining the team's competitiveness. Woll's advanced statistics further highlight his value, ranking 11th in the league in Goals Saved Above Expected (16.8) and Wins Above Replacement (2.81). Woll received a "B+" grade for his solid showing during the 2024-25 season.
The Maple Leafs' confidence in Woll is evident, with the team willing to rely on him as a starter when needed. Both goalies have dealt with injuries, so splitting the starts will be key to the success of the Maple Leafs this season. Woll is under contract for three years at $3.67 million per year. Stolarz will be a free agent at the end of the 2025-2026 season and will be looking for a strong payday.
The emergence of Stolarz and the continued development of Woll provide the Maple Leafs with a sense of security they have lacked in recent years. Their strong regular-season performances and ability to step up in crucial moments offer a foundation for success. However, Woll's playoff performance has been inconsistent, and he will need to improve in this area to solidify his position as a top goaltender.
While Stolarz and Woll appear to be the Maple Leafs' primary goaltending options, the team also has promising prospects in their system. Dennis Hildeby and Artur Akhtyamov are waiting for their opportunity. Goaltending prospects Pyotr Andreyanov, Semyon Frolov, and Andrei Trofimov are also on the Leafs' radar.
As the Maple Leafs aim for a deep playoff run in 2026, the stability provided by Stolarz and Woll in net could be a significant factor. The team's investment in these two goaltenders has the potential to pay dividends, offering a sense of assurance that has been missing for far too long.
