Stolarz enters 2026-27 as Toronto’s 1-B goaltender coming off a down year, with Sergei Bobrovsky reunited in net and a four-year deal setting clear expectations: stay healthy, play 30+ games, and return to a.900+ save percentage.
Primary goal: stay healthy and push Bobrovsky for a split starter role heading into the playoffs.
Measurable expectations: dress in 30+ games and post a save percentage above.900.
Context: reunited with Bobrovsky, backed by deeper crease depth and improved defensive pieces returning.
# Overview Anthony Stolarz begins 2026-27 as an important piece of the Toronto Maple Leafs' goaltending group. He signed a four-year contract worth $3.75 million AAV and arrives with two main tasks: regain the form he showed in 2024-25 (.926 save percentage) and stay healthy for a full season. The Leafs added Sergei Bobrovsky on a three-year deal, reuniting a tandem that won a Stanley Cup together previously.
# Why this season matters for Stolarz Stolarz's 2025-26 campaign was disrupted by injuries and poor numbers: a 10-10-3 record, 3.28 goals-against average, and a.893 save percentage. He has only 168 career NHL appearances across 10 seasons and has never played more than 34 games in a single year. Given that track record, durability is the primary concern. The organization now has more depth in net—Artur Akhtyamov waits behind them—so performance and availability will determine roster roles going forward.
# Clear performance expectations
# Factors that could help Stolarz rebound
# Risks and roster pressure Stolarz faces multiple sources of pressure. Bobrovsky, a proven veteran, will be the primary competitor for starts. Akhtyamov, fresh off an AHL Calder Cup run and organizational confidence, represents a long-term internal challenger—his contract situation moves closer to a one-way deal in 2027-28. If Stolarz cannot regain consistent play and sustain availability, Toronto has internal options to reshuffle the crease.
# What success looks like at season's end A successful 2026-27 season for Stolarz is straightforward: he stays healthy, plays 30 or more games, posts a save percentage north of.900, and provides enough consistency to legitimately push Bobrovsky for starts heading into the playoffs. Meeting those conditions keeps him in the short-term crease conversation and protects his place on a team that expects to contend.
# Bottom line
The Toronto Maple Leafs enter the 2026-27 season with some of the best goaltending depth in the league. With Anthony Stolarz returning, and Sergei Bobrovsky signing a three-year contract to join forces in Toronto, the Leafs are set up for success in their crease. However, the bigger story to follow in net next season,
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