The Toronto Maple Leafs could be getting a key reinforcement in net soon, as goaltender Anthony Stolarz took the ice and completed a full practice Tuesday for the first time since undergoing knee surgery in December.
Stolarz had already taken the ice earlier this month when he practiced on Jan. 24, taking his first reps since Dec. 12.
The 31-year-old netminder, who had been enjoying a standout season before the injury, provided an update on his progress following Tuesday's session, although he didn't provide a specific return timeline.
"Everything's progressed well," Stolarz said. "It's just getting back into game shape."
Anthony Stolarz felt good after his first full practice with the Leafs in over a month pic.twitter.com/GJB4TcJhZZ
— TheLeafsNation (@TLNdc) January 28, 2025
Stolarz had been dealing with a loose piece of cartilage in his knee, which ultimately required a procedure on Dec. 18.
Despite missing nearly two months, he still leads the NHL in save percentage, having posted a .927 mark to go along with a 9–5-2 record, a 2.15 goals-against average, and one shutout before being sidelined.
"One of those things you can't control," Stolarz said about the loose cartilage. "It is what it is … it's up to me to get back up to par with where I was before."
The Leafs have relied on a combination of Joseph Woll, Dennis Hildeby, and Matt Murray in Stolarz's absence.
Head coach Craig Berube acknowledged the importance of getting Stolarz back in the mix and hopes to see him in game action before the NHL pauses for the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.
"He's been very positive about everything," Berube said. "He's been in a good frame of mind with it all.
"He's dealt with it and done what he has to do to get back."
While Stolarz did not set a specific return date, his return looks imminent with just five games left in the Leafs schedule from Thursday's matchup against the Minnesota Wild through Feb. 8 when they'll play their final game before the 4 Nations tournament.
