Toronto Maple Leafs Welcome Surprise Player Back at Practice, Sparking Fan Excitement
The Toronto Maple Leafs had a very welcome face return to practice on Friday as questions surround his return to the ice after missing a crucial part of the season.
With the team currently dealing with another laundry list of injuries, with John Tavares. Max Pacioretty, and Matthew Knies all feeling the sting in the last week or so; it feels like deja vu all over again for Craig Berube and the Maple Leafs.
However on Friday, the team got not only a welcome face back to practice, but one who has arguably been the most crucial to their season's success.
Anthony Stolarz Practices With Toronto Maple Leafs
It was a huge sign to see the Maple Leafs goalie back in the net after missing over a month due to a lower-body injury suffered against the Anaheim Ducks.
He looked good in his first practice back and his movement looked to be back to form and didn't look like he was fighting through any pain.
Initially it seemed like nothing too serious for Stolarz however further evaluation showed he had a loose body in his knee that needed to be removed. He underwent a procedure and was projected to be out for 4-6 weeks.
Stolarz has done his part this season before the injury to lead Toronto to success, as he's been integral to keeping them in close games.
He has a 9-5-2 record with a 2.15 GAA and .927 SV% and was putting himself in contention as a dark horse Vezina candidate before going down.
Signed by the Maple Leafs in the summer to the tune of a two-year, $5M contract, he has been better than advertised and looked like he was truly becoming the starter he always envisioned himself as.
It would be huge if Stolarz can return before the team's 4 Nations Face-Off break as the team would love to have him get some reps and gain some momentum before having more time off.
While it's unknown when the goaltender is going to make his way back to the team, his appearance at practice is undoubtedly one of the biggest bright spots for the team in recent weeks. Toronto is going to be even more dangerous with Stolarz, and the rest of the NHL has to be on their toes.
