Stolarz Needs Surgery

 

Photo From The Hockey Writers

Anthony Stolarz, who left Thursday’s game against Anaheim after suffering a knee injury, was initially believed to be day-to-day. While the team planned to conduct an MRI as a precaution, they ultimately received both good and bad news. Leafs GM Brad Treliving announced there was no structural damage to the knee, which is certainly positive, but a "floating body" was discovered.

Though I’m only speculating, this likely means Anthony is dealing with calcium buildup in the knee, which is something I have personal experience with. For those unfamiliar, calcium buildup can occur following a minor injury. When the body detects an injury, fluid builds up in the area to promote natural healing. Once the healing process is complete, the fluid may calcify or harden over time. I know this process well because I deal with it in my left knee.

Readers may or may not know, but I have Cerebral Palsy and use a wheelchair to get around. I’m 38 now, but for 33 years, I crawled on my hands and knees to get around when I was at home. After years of wear and tear, I developed calcium buildup in my knee. I don’t crawl anymore because the pain has become too severe. My knee is always in pain, but over time, you learn to manage it—a true mind-over-matter situation. If Stolarz is facing the same issue, he’s beyond tough. For a butterfly goalie, the pain could be excruciating depending on where the calcium is located, as any pressure on the affected area can send pain levels through the roof. If he played through this, then he’s as tough as nails.

Treliving further announced that Stolarz would be sidelined for 4-6 weeks due to surgery. The procedure will involve removing the "floating body" (likely a piece of calcium) as well as addressing any remaining buildup in the knee. The timeline makes perfect sense: Toronto wants to ensure Stolarz is fully healed. If he were to return too soon, there would be a risk of the calcium reforming or breaking off again, which could lead to a serious infection. By giving him a month or more to rest and recover, the team is ensuring Stolarz can return at 100% for the critical stretch leading into the postseason.

With Stolarz sidelined, the responsibility now falls on Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby to carry the team. I’m confident they’re up to the challenge, and I believe the Leafs will manage just fine during this period.

Thanks for reading!