Which of the three Maple Leafs goaltenders is likely to leave?

The Toronto Maple Leafs have some big decisions to make as we get closer to the 2026 trade deadline. They have a handful of unrestricted free agents who could be moved if they fall out of the playoff race. Plus, they also have three NHL-caliber goaltenders. This gives them the opportunity to use one as trade bait to improve the selection elsewhere.

The question is: which one makes the most sense to move? Would they prefer to say goodbye to the young people? Dennis Hildebyor would they give up one of their two tandem goalies? Joseph Wol or Anthony Stolarz? Let’s see which goalkeeper has the best chance of being dealt.

Which goalkeeper will get a deal?

In a perfect world, the Maple Leafs would keep all three goaltenders. But that’s just not realistic in the long term. Given the situation, it makes the most sense for them to leave Stolarz. This is a better option than moving Woll or Hildeby.

The first reason is age. At the age of 32, Stolarz recently signed an extension that will keep him under contract until he is 36. From Toronto’s perspective, it would be smarter to forego that contract and keep the two younger goalies. That said, his contract could actually be positive in trade talks. Any team that acquires him will get a goaltender who will be retained for another four seasons.

He has also shown he can handle the workload of a starter at the NHL level. One team that has reportedly shown interest is the Philadelphia Flyers. They are still looking for a true 1A option in their fold. While they have Samuel Ersson and Dan Vladar, neither has proven to be at Stolarz’s level. It is at this point that Stolarz stands out.

Toronto, on the other hand, has a young tandem in Woll and Hildeby who have proven this season that they can handle pressure and deliver solid results. The Maple Leafs need to start trusting and developing their homegrown talent. They have two legitimate options there. Giving up one of them just to keep an aging veteran makes little sense. Especially if there is an opportunity to sell Stolarz high and recoup assets.

If Toronto is serious about restructuring and preparing for the future, this feels like the most logical path.

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