Panthers forward Sam Reinhart gave a ringing endorsement for the newly signed Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz.
Not only does he think his former teammate can positively impact the team, but Stolarz could also take the reins from Joseph Woll as their starter. That is what Reinhart told The Hockey News’ Michael Traikos during the NHL/NHLPA Player Media Tour on Monday, making a bold proclamation about how things will fare for Stolarz in Toronto.
“[Stolarz] has a good chance to be that goalie for that organization that they’ve needed,” he said. “He was unbelievable. One, his personality off the ice is top-notch. It’s something that anyone would want in their room. I’m excited to see [that happen] for him as a person.”
Reinhart would know quite well what the American goalie can do as he played a key role in helping the Panthers take home the Stanley Cup by being a solid backup to Sergei Bobrovsky. While his partner obviously got the bulk of the starts, Stolarz’s 27 games played helped give their starter ample amounts of rest to best prepare for what ended up being a successful playoff run for Florida.
Stolarz is coming off his best season yet as he went 16-7-2, recording a .925 SV%, a 2.03 GAA, and two shutouts. He even got to play in a Stanley Cup Final game though that came in garbage time of Game 4 with his team well behind and Bobrovsky pulled. Even still, the campaign and championship gave him plenty of confidence which was put on display when he spoke with the Toronto media in explaining his rationale for signing with the Leafs.
“I know that I’m one of the best in the world, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity,” he said. “I’m excited. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the fan base. It’s a very hungry and passionate fan base.”
Stolarz has had quite the journey in his career to reach this point where he arrives in Toronto hungry to prove himself as being capable of being more than just a solid backup. While it is unclear at this time who will emerge as the Leafs’ starter, he and Woll are eager to start working together and forming a strong partnership. Assuming both can stay healthy, internal competition can only mean great things for the Blue and White.
No matter what comes next for Stolarz, Reinhart believes his ex-teammate has earned the chance with the Leafs to show that he has what it takes to get a bigger role in the NHL.
“Obviously, I hope he doesn’t do too well, against us at least,” he joked. “But I wish nothing but the best for him and that opportunity. It’s something that’s deserved through a lot of hard work.”
