Brad Treliving's Biggest Home Run is Paying Significant Dividends for the Toronto Maple Leafs
Brad Treliving went hard in free agency to shore up some Maple Leafs weaknesses but the signing of Anthony Stolarz is potentially his best.
It's well-known that Brad Treliving wanted to make big changes this offseason after another disappointing first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Boston Bruins.
He fired Sheldon Keefe and brought in Craig Berube to bring a new vision to his team, and added elite defenders like Chris Tanev, Jani Hakanpaa, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson which has transformed Toronto's defense completely.
But the one signing he made, that not only looks like a bargain but potentially his best signing is that of Anthony Stolarz.
How Has Anthony Stolarz Helped Toronto?
He always has been a great goalie, and this year he's showing why other teams should have been giving him a true look as a starter.
As a premier backup in the NHL, Stolarz has put together a 43-31-9 record coming into this season and is fresh off a Stanley Cup win with Florida last season.
This year he's been fantastic, posting a 7-3-2 record with a 2.18 GAA and .927 SV%, and with Joseph Woll has created a rock-solid goaltending duo that is taking the league by storm.
Anthony Stolarz's big advantage too is his size and quickness and how well he can distribute himself in the net.
Not only will he make quick reactive saves, but will often forgo his stick, and sometimes other equipment in order to get the puck.
He also adds a big veteran presence to Joseph Woll, who hasn't necessarily had the best goaltenders to learn from during his short time with Toronto.
Stolarz has been a part of some very bad teams before and can give Woll advice when he's struggling or how to focus better come crunch time.
Woll seems to be listening too, as he's gone 4-0-0 in his last 4 starts, and making ridiculous save after ridiculous save.
What This Means Going Forward
Hopefully, for the Toronto Maple Leafs, it will lead to a Stanley Cup.
But before they get ahead of themselves, it means that they will have a much easier time in the playoffs.
While that is a whole different game in and of itself, Toronto has built its roster with people not only experienced in these crucial moments but successful.
Toronto added another Panthers player who won the Stanley Cup last season in Steven Lorentz, giving them even more experience winning, and helping Toronto finally get over that hump.
But it also means that teams have to be on their toes when it comes to the Maple Leafs goaltending tandem.
It's not a situation where teams can come in and feel like they have an easy night.
Woll and Stolarz make lives miserable for their opponents, and it's been the first time in a long time that Toronto has seen this type of consistency between the pipes.
Brad Treliving not only hit a home run with signing Stolarz; it's looking like a grand slam.
FAQ: Brad Treliving's Best Signing Is Paying Off
Q1: Who is Brad Treliving's best signing?
A1: While you could argue Chris Tanev could be the best, Anthony Stolarz has provided the Maple Leafs with the consistent goaltending they've lacked for years.
He has provided the team with a veteran winner who can help Joseph Woll as he grows.
Q2: Does this mean the Toronto Maple Leafs will win a Stanley Cup?
A2: Well nothing is for certain of course, but the addition of Stolarz certainly helps. Not only because he brings a massive statistical boost to Toronto's goaltending, but he has previous playoff experience and won a Stanley Cup last season, so their chances are as good as they can be.
In closing, Anthony Stolarz adds not only fantastic goaltending to the Maple Leafs for the regular season, but also his winning acumen and ability to help Joseph Woll grow and get better, and has paid off in spades for Brad Treliving so far.
| POLL | ||
Who has been the better Maple Leafs goaltender this season? | ||
| Anthony Stolarz | 629 | 87.2 % |
| Joseph Woll | 92 | 12.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
