TORONTO — The Toronto Maple Leafs’ goaltender Anthony Stolarz is set to have knee surgery, which will sideline him for approximately four to six weeks, according to general manager Brad Treliving.
Stolarz exited the Maple Leafs’ recent 3-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks following a lower-body injury. It was noted that he appeared to be flexing his right leg after conceding the Ducks’ opening goal.
Following an MRI, Treliving confirmed there was no significant structural damage, but Stolarz was experiencing discomfort and had trouble straightening his leg due to the presence of a loose body—essentially, a small fragment of bone or cartilage that had broken off.
“An issue was discovered, almost like a little pebble that was lodged behind his knee,” Treliving explained.
Stolarz is scheduled to undergo a medical procedure to remove the loose body on Wednesday in New York.
The 30-year-old goaltender has been having a commendable year in his first season with the Maple Leafs, currently boasting a 9-5-2 record, a goals-against average of 2.15, a .927 save percentage, and one shutout to his name.
Treliving expressed his disappointment over losing a player who has been performing well, stating, “It’s never easy to see anyone sidelined, especially a goaltender who has been in such strong form. However, this issue needs to be resolved, and we are committed to addressing it.”
Hailing from Edison, New Jersey, Stolarz signed a two-year, $5 million contract with Toronto during free agency after celebrating a Stanley Cup victory as a backup goaltender for the Florida Panthers. This season, he has shared goaltending duties with Joseph Woll.