Stolarz returns to the net as the Leafs are back at full strength.

The long-awaited return of Anthony Stolarz has finally come, he will be the starting goalie tonight on the road as the Leafs take on the Seattle Krakens. The Leafs last played Seattle on October 31st earlier this year, they won 4-1 with Joseph Woll in the net. Stolarz has been out since he sustained a lower-body injury in his game on December 12th, 2024 against the Anaheim Ducks. He was later placed on injury reserve after undergoing surgery for a loose pebble in his knee that was said to have caused no damage other than some discomfort and mobility issues. During this time the Leafs had called up AHL goalies Matt Murray and Dennis Hidebly who have tried their hardest to fill the shoes that Stolarz left for them. 

At the beginning of the season, Anthony Stolarz was off to a fantastic start, up until his injury in December Stolarz had a .927% save percentage. Coming off a Stanley Cup win and being signed to the Leafs fans were concerned about what Stolarz would bring to the team. Stolarz was quick to create a reputation for himself as the man you need in the net, he brought a newfound passion and energy to the team. With him in the net not only were fans quickly growing attached but everyone's performance seemed to improve, especially alternating goalie Joseph Woll.

Before the injury Stolarz and Woll were the goalie duo with Woll’s .907% save percentage, with Stolarz out Woll was the primary option in the net. While being the starting goalie Woll had some challenges as there were some pretty high-scoring losses in December. The Leafs had to step up once again and find their rhythm when a goalie they relied so heavily on was out for an unknown amount of time. Although Woll had proved himself and became the backbone of the team. 

On Tuesday, right-wing Mitch Marner was announced to be out for their game against the Calgary Flames due to a lower-body injury and had been listed as day-to-day. That was the first game that Marner had missed all season and luckily it will be the only one so far, Mitch Marner will be playing tonight in Seattle. 

So what exactly can we expect from the Leafs tonight? With Marner back in the lineup, the Leafs have an added force on the ice to sway the game in their favor. Not only is Marner’s return a momentum builder for the Leafs, but Stolarz’s long-awaited return to the net after missing 23 consecutive games is crucial. Stolarz had started the season strong and gave the team and fans hope for a bright future before his injury. After whispers of Stolarz’s recovery, his stepping on the ice tonight will be the real tell on whether or not the Toronto Maple Leafs are back at full strength. The big question will be: whether or not Stolarz can pick up where he left off or if this will just be his stepping stone back to where he was.

Don't forget to tune in tonight at 10 pm EST as the Toronto Maple Leafs take on the Seattle Krakens.