‘He’s Progressing’: Maple Leafs’ Anthony Stolarz Trending In Right Direction, But Yet To Resume Skating

Head coach Craig Berube offered a brief update on the 31-year-old netminder during Saturday’s media availability, the morning following the team’s 5-4 overtime loss in Game 3.

“He’s progressing in the right direction. He has not skated yet,” Berube said.

Stolarz remained in Toronto and did not accompany the team to Florida for Games 3 and 4. 

He hasn’t played since suffering an undisclosed injury in the second period of Game 1 when Panthers forward Sam Bennett elbowed him in the head following an earlier shot to the mask off the stick of Sam Reinhart. The goaltender was visibly shaken up and later transported to the hospital for further evaluation.

While the Leafs haven’t confirmed the exact nature of the injury, Stolarz was ruled out for Games 2 and 3 and has yet to resume skating. There is currently no timeline for his return, but based on his status, it's unlikely he’ll be available for Game 4. A clearer update is expected when the team is back in Toronto ahead of Game 5.

The injury was a major blow for Toronto, as Stolarz had been solid through the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, helping lead the team to a first-round series win over the Ottawa Senators with a 4-1-1 record, a 2.21 goals-against average, and a .901 save percentage. He earned the starter’s role after a strong regular season, where he posted a 21-8-3 record with a 2.14 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage.

With Stolarz unavailable, Joseph Woll has stepped in as the starter and kept the Leafs in front in round two against the Panthers, backstopping Toronto to wins in Games 1 and 2. Every game has been decided by one goal, with Woll posting a 2-0-1 record, a 3.99 goals-against average, and a .869 save percentage in three appearances.

The Leafs were just a shot away from going up 3-0 in the series on Friday night, but ultimately fell in overtime. Berube and the club have reiterated their confidence in the 26-year-old in the wake of Stolarz’s absence, as they look to get the split on the road in Game 4, leading the series 2-1.

“After the game, everybody is upset, obviously,” said Berube on Saturday. “You can really let it go the other way, or you can grab it, fix it, like I said, make some adjustments, what we need to do better, and focus on getting that message through to the team. 

“We knew that it was going to be a long series. We’re always prepared for a long series,” he added. “We have an opportunity going into Game 4 tomorrow and get a split, and that’s what we've got to focus on.”