The Toronto Maple Leafs remain unclear on the status of goaltender Anthony Stolarz. According to different sources, head coach Craig Berube said: “From now on indefinitely.”
Meanwhile, Easton Cowan will be making his third consecutive appearance. Berube said he has “had conversations with him…” He added, “we won the last game. Be patient. We definitely don’t want him to sit out too long.”
While the Cowan situation looks like a short-term deal that will resolve itself in the next two games, the Stolarz news is troubling. The Leafs don’t plan to keep Cowan out forever. “That is not good for his growth,” says Berube. He added: “I think he’s helping us. I think he’s a good player, and he’s only going to get better.”
The update on Stolarz appears to be less under the Maple Leafs’ control. When asked if there was any new information following the goaltender’s recent visit to a specialist, Berube replied: “Not really.”
Stolarz has been struggling with the injury since November 11 and has yet to resume skating. Toronto is starting to understand that it may take some time for him to return, and that they will have to move on without him. Goaltender injuries have become a frustrating pattern for the team, and for the veteran netminder it is particularly problematic.
Stolarz has now missed 22 games this season and 25 games last year due to injury. It’s hard to believe that when the Leafs play Detroit on Sunday, he will have spent more time on the sidelines than on the ice this season.
What’s next for the Maple Leafs?
Stolarz had a heavy workload while Joseph Woll was away on personal leave, playing in 13 games and recording six wins with a save percentage of .884. Those numbers weren’t incredible.
Woll is back and has performed well, going 6-4-1 with a .923 save percentage in 11 appearances. Dennis Hildeby has also seen extensive action, appearing in 13 games with a 3-6-1 record and a .911 save percentage. Woll is expected to start Saturday against Ottawa, while Hildeby is expected to play Sunday against Detroit.
There is good news. With Chris Tanev back in the lineup, the Maple Leafs are close to getting another veteran defenseman back. Brandon Carlo, out since Nov. 13 and recovering from foot surgery, skated Saturday and is making good progress, although no timeline for a return has been set. When asked if Carlo might take part in a match in the coming days: “I wouldn’t go there yet. We have to see where he goes and he hasn’t really trained with the team yet.”
Next: Maple Leafs Trade Auston Matthews; What problems are solved?
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