Toronto Maple Leafs Announce Surprising Starter For Game Against New Jersey Devils

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Chris Gerics
October 10, 2024 (2:36 PM)

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The Maple Leafs have decided on who will be between the pipes for them as they face the New Jersey Devils, and it'll be Anthony Stolarz once again starting.

With question marks surrounding Joseph Woll's injury status, and no timeline as of yet for when the goaltender will return, the Toronto Maple Leafs will be looking for backup Anthony Stolarz to take charge until Woll's return. Stolarz was fantastic against Montreal in Toronto's 1-0 loss and looked like a seasoned veteran in the first game of the year.

Stolarz will once again be called upon when the Maple Leafs face off against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday, getting the start over rookie Dennis Hildeby as per David Alter on X:

It's in Toronto's best interest to start Stolarz if they want to have a chance at winning their first game of the season, and he will look to the offense to give him some help so that he doesn't need to be the main factor in keeping Toronto in the game. With Woll hurt, head coach Craig Berube can trust Stolarz in the meantime and start Hildeby when Stolarz needs a break, which may happen this Saturday.

Woll had only played in half of a preseason game before finally playing the last one, but it's clear the goaltender wasn't 100%, something the Maple Leafs noticed and pulled the plug on his start, even if he was excited to start in Montreal. Stolarz was pretty much lights out in the preseason and even in the first game of the season looked ever the veteran Brad Treliving set out to sign this summer. If Woll's injury is going to keep him out long-term, look for Stolarz to secure that #1 spot and be hesitant to relinquish it, especially if the team is on a hot streak.

We will update you as more information comes out regarding Joseph Woll's status and any changes before the game.

The Toronto Maple Leafs square off against the New Jersey Devils in New Jersey at the Prudential Center on Thursday night; the puck drops at 7 pm ET.