Anthony Stolarz returns to ice: Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender gearing up for a stronger comeback

The offseason of 2023-2024 brought a welcome development for fans, with front-office president Brendan Shanahan announcing that goaltender Anthony Stolarz had resumed on-ice training.

Having suffered a serious concussion that kept him out of play through the playoffs, his appearance in full gear alongside his former goalie coach is an encouraging sign for the team. His absence was felt, particularly during the nail-biting final Game 7 moments, but it is reassuring that he is back in practice and able to be part of the conversation going into next season about a goaltending plan. Stolarz is in the process of working his way back onto the ice to backstop with Joseph Woll, having signed a two-year deal.

Anthony Stolarz shows signs of full recovery ahead of the new NHL season

Anthony Stolarz, now having averted the playoffs due to a concussion, has been spotted working out in full goaltending gear under the watchful eye of offseason goaltending coach George Bosak. This clip was shared via Bosak's Instagram account, giving Leafs fans their first glimpse of the goalie back on skates. It is a major step toward recovery, both physically and mentally, especially considering that the injury resulted from a collision with Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett during a pivotal playoff series.

Stolarz has trained with Bosak in the past during the offseason, so the fact that he is returning once again suggests that his game recovery has a structured plan. Well, this dedication is justifiable because his rookie campaign with Toronto went beyond expectations. By producing a phenomenal .926 save percentage and a 21-8-3 winning record through 34 competitive games, Stolarz truly cemented his value as a reliable goaltender.Whispers of Vezina contention were in the air before his momentum was arrested mid-season due to the knee impairment that ensued. Those seven weeks out of action raised questions about his durability. Still, the guy's value remains strong, with good puck skills and decent calmness under pressure. With Joseph Woll anticipated to share duties again next season, Stolarz's presence lends a bit of air to the Leafs, though his ultimate long-term position is unclear.There may be an extension on Stolarz's contract in Toronto; however, a fine balance must be achieved concerning his performance and the associated risk of injuries. If moved forward, a raise should be on the table, but where to rightly place the term is tricky given that he's never seen full-time action. The stances of Stolarz in training and his health and consistency will probably be the deciding points.Also Read: Emily Karlsson, wife of William Karlsson, denies relocation rumors with renovation revealTraining in the offseason would help the Maple Leafs and their fans if Stolarz indeed were to come back. Nevertheless, even though there are doubts about his long-term reliability, the very fact that he recovered and is working hard means he's ready to step up once more. His presence could be one of the key factors in Toronto's goaltending plans underway.