Leafs Extend Stolarz, Add Reimer on a PTO

 

Photos From Sportsnet/TSN

Here we go again, Leafs Nation. The season hasn’t even started yet, and we’re already riding the goalie roller coaster. Training camp opened with some tough news: Joseph Woll is stepping away from the team on personal leave, and there’s no timeline for his return. First things first—hockey aside—we all just hope he’s okay and gets whatever time he needs.

But from a team perspective, that leaves Toronto in a bit of a jam. So, what do the Leafs do? They go out and bring back an old friend: James Reimer, on a professional tryout.

Now, I know what some of you are thinking—“Reimer? He’s 37! Why him?” Look, he’s not going to steal the Vezina, but let’s be real here: the Leafs’ current goalie depth is Anthony Stolarz and Dennis Hildeby. One little groin tweak and suddenly Hildeby—who, yes, has looked good in the preseason—would be the starter. Does anyone feel completely comfortable with that yet? Probably not.

That’s where Reimer makes sense. He’s a reliable veteran, a guy who knows this market, and he’s been through the wars. Last year in Buffalo—on a Sabres team that hasn’t been relevant since I was in high school—he still managed a 10-8-2 record with a .900 save percentage. Not amazing, but solid enough to hold the fort. That’s all we really need from him: a steady hand until Woll comes back.

And while we were all stressing out over the Blue Jays the other night, the Leafs quietly gave us some good news: Anthony Stolarz signed a four-year extension worth $3.75 million a season. Honestly? That’s a steal. Stolarz had an excellent year—21 wins, a .926 save percentage, and a 2.14 GAA—even while dealing with a minor knee surgery. Getting him locked in at under $4 million per year is the kind of smart cap management this team has needed for ages.

Think about it: Stolarz and Woll combined will cost about $7 million against the cap. That’s less than what some teams pay a single starting goalie, and it gives Brad Treliving the flexibility to keep strengthening the roster in other areas. For once, we actually look set up nicely in net long-term.

So, heading into Opening Night, it looks like the tandem will be Reimer and Stolarz. Is it ideal? No. Is it workable? Absolutely. If anything, it’s comforting knowing we’ve got a GM making smart, forward-thinking moves.

For now, though, the biggest thing is wishing Joe Woll the best. The Leafs can manage on the ice, but what matters most is that he’s okay off of it.