The Toronto Maple Leafs could cash in on a bone-dry goalie market. That profit might necessarily come as buyers but as sellers.
Now, before Leafs Nation goes into full crisis mode at the thought of the team giving up on the season, there’s actually a sensible angle to this idea.
In a January 7 piece, Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos floated the idea that goalie Anthony Stolarz could become expendable once he returns from injury.
Kypreos wrote:
“… there are teams out there that need a goalie and not a lot is available at the position. So, if Anthony Stolarz can come back and be healthy for a stretch, he’s a trade chip they could use.”
For once, Kypreos has actually suggested a sensible idea. The rationale for this move lies in the play of Dennis Hildeby.
Heading into this season, Hildeby wasn’t really going to play a major role for the Maple Leafs. At best, he would continue to grow in the AHL. However, circumstances forced the Leafs to roll with Hildeby. And the 24-year-old has not disappointed.
Thursday night’s win against the Philadelphia Flyers showed just how far Hildeby has come this season. The Maple Leafs seem to have the makings of a reliable tandem with Joseph Woll getting the lion’s share of starts.
Meanwhile, a mysterious upper-body injury has kept Stolarz off the ice for the better part of this season. And even when he played, he was nowhere near the lofty numbers he put up last season.
That’s why it’s plausible to think that the Maple Leafs could cash in on Stolarz, if and when he returns healthy and productive.
Maple Leafs Could Have Logjam in the Crease
When Stolarz returns, the Maple Leafs could have a logjam in the crease. As such, the easiest move would be to send Hildeby back to the AHL. He’s waivers-exempt, making the move a no-brainer.
The problem is that Hildeby is too good for the AHL. He’s established himself as a solid NHL goalie. That situation means the Maple Leafs would have to choose to keep two of their three netminders.
Sending Hildeby down could be a temporary move while the Leafs figure out what they have in Stolarz. All the while, desperate teams could be looking at the Maple Leafs goaltending situation and think they could pluck one.
Several Teams Desperate for Goaltending
Several teams have shown a clear desperation for goaltending solutions. The most notorious case has been the Ottawa Senators. The Sens signed former Leaf James Reimer to a PTO amid a crisis in the crease.
That’s an example of a team in need of an immediate goaltending solution. Other teams looking for goalies could include the Edmonton Oilers (even with Tristan Jarry), Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Vegas Golden Knights.
The New Jersey Devils could be another team looking at goaltending if they feel Jacob Markstrom is no longer a reliable option.
In short, the Maple Leafs could find potential suitors. If that’s the case, the Buds could land an upgrade on defense or another reliable forward.
It’s worth noting that Stolarz has partial no-trade protection. He has a 16-team no-trade list. But then again, the opportunity to step into a potential starting role elsewhere could be enough to entice Stolarz to waive his no-trade clause, if necessary.
Maple Leafs Could Cash in on Stale Goalie Market: Rumor