NHL analyst Steve Dangle believes now may be the perfect time for the Toronto Maple Leafs to trade goaltender Anthony Stolarz, while his value is at its peak.
After signing Stolarz to a two-year, $5 million deal last offseason, the Leafs saw him emerge as their starting goalie. With his contract set to expire after the coming season—and a significant raise likely looming—Dangle suggests Toronto should consider moving him now, possibly to the Edmonton Oilers in a high-value trade.
“There’s hardly any goalies available right now,” Dangle said on the Steve Dangle Podcast Network (SDPN). “I loved watching Leafs games this year without having to stress over who’s in net… Imagine flipping one year of Stolarz for Stuart Skinner—plus more. I’m dreaming big, but there are so few quality goalies out there.”
Such a trade could bring Skinner back in return, forming a new tandem with Joseph Woll, while also allowing the Leafs to acquire other NHL-ready players or prospects. Though bold, Dangle argues that Stolarz’s standout season makes this the ideal time to capitalize.
Stolarz finished last season with an impressive 21-8-3 record, a 2.14 goals-against average, and a .926 save percentage. However, he did miss time in the second round of the playoffs due to injury, and he’s had durability concerns in the past.
Joseph Woll remains under contract and is entering the first year of a three-year, $11 million extension, keeping the Leafs secure in goal regardless of a potential move.
Not Everyone on Board With a Trade
Despite Dangle’s reasoning, co-host Adam Wylde disagrees. He believes that having both Stolarz and Woll on affordable deals gives Toronto a rare edge and trading from that position of strength would be a mistake.
“You don’t trade from a position of strength. And both goalies have a history of injuries—absolutely not,” Wylde said.
Co-host Jesse Blake added to the discussion, wondering if Matt Murray, whom the Leafs reportedly still like, could fill in as a backup option.
While Dangle is intrigued by the idea, he also admitted he’s unsure if Toronto’s front office would actually pull the trigger on such a move.
Maple Leafs’ Management Has High Hopes for Stolarz
When the Leafs were looking for a goalie to pair with Woll ahead of last season, they quickly zeroed in on Stolarz. Toronto’s front office and goaltending staff believed strongly in his potential to thrive as a No. 1 netminder.
“Our goaltending department was really high on Anthony,” GM Brad Treliving told The Athletic in November. “It wasn’t just about him alone—it was about the tandem. We thought that combination could be something special.”
Stolarz had been a backup for the Florida Panthers during their Stanley Cup-winning season before signing with Toronto, and last season marked his first true opportunity as a starter in the NHL.
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