Anthony Stolarz isn’t beating around the bush about what he wants from the Maple Leafs – fair pay for his stellar performance in net.
“Just getting paid fairly,” the 31-year-old goalie told Leafs Morning Take. “Something that helps the team but at the same time, shows they believe in me.”
Stolarz has been a revelation in his first season with Toronto, putting up impressive numbers that few saw coming. He’s posted a sparkling 21-8-3 record with a 2.14 goals-against average and .926 save percentage.
But getting a new deal done isn’t proving simple.
“Contract talks are ongoing between the Toronto Maple Leafs and goalie Anthony Stolarz, but there is plenty of work to be done. They aren’t close to a deal,” insider David Pagnotta reported.
The New Jersey native is currently on a two-year, $5 million contract with the Leafs. Given his performance, he’s likely due for a significant raise.
Leafs GM Brad Treliving has made it clear he wants to keep Stolarz in Toronto. He’s been particularly impressed with how Stolarz and Joseph Woll have worked together, calling them one of the NHL’s top goalie tandems last season.
“I’ll leave that to the agent and Treliving,” Stolarz said about the negotiations. “For me, it’s about going out there and continuing to do what I do.”
While hockey insider Kevin Weekes confirmed talks are happening, he didn’t provide details on how they’re progressing.
The clock is ticking for both sides to figure something out. With Stolarz’s current deal expiring soon, the Leafs will want to lock down their surprisingly successful netminder before other teams come calling.
