Anthony Stolarz is an American professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League.
Born on January 20, 1994, in Edison, New Jersey, and raised in Jackson Township, he stands at 6 feet 6 inches and weighs around 248 pounds.
Stolarz has carved out a career as a reliable netminder after being selected in the second round, 45th overall, by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
He holds the distinction of being the first New Jersey-born goaltender to play in the NHL, making his debut with the Flyers in 2016.
Over his career, he has suited up for several teams, including the Flyers, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, Florida Panthers, and now the Maple Leafs.
Siblings
Anthony grew up in a hockey-loving family in New Jersey, where his older brother Todd played a significant role in shaping his early passion for the game.
Todd Stolarz, who is older than Anthony, also tended goal and competed in junior ice hockey within the New Jersey Devils organization alongside his younger brother.
The two brothers bonded deeply over the sport as children, often watching old videos of legendary goaltenders like Martin Brodeur and Ron Hextall on the family television, with Anthony frequently asking Todd questions about the position.
Career
Stolarz’s journey to the NHL began in youth hockey with local New Jersey programs, including the New Jersey Jr. Titans and the New Jersey Titans.
He progressed through the North American Hockey League with the Corpus Christi IceRays before a brief stint at the University of Nebraska Omaha.
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He then moved to the Ontario Hockey League, where he played for the London Knights and helped the team reach the Memorial Cup while posting strong save percentages.
Drafted by the Flyers, he spent time developing in the American Hockey League with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms before making his NHL debut.
His professional path has been one of perseverance, involving multiple team changes and periods of bouncing between the NHL and AHL.
After time with the Flyers and a mid-season trade to the Oilers in 2018-19, he signed with the Anaheim Ducks, where he established himself as a dependable option over several seasons.
In 2023, he joined the Florida Panthers on a one-year deal and contributed to their Stanley Cup-winning campaign in 2024, though his playoff involvement was limited.
As an unrestricted free agent, he signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2024 and experienced a breakout 2024-25 season, appearing in a career-high 34 games with impressive numbers that solidified his role.
He later signed a four-year extension with Toronto worth $15 million, securing his future through the 2029-30 season.
Known for his active stick and strong outlet passes, Stolarz has also represented the United States internationally at events like the IIHF World Junior Championship and the World Championship.
Accolades
Stolarz won the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers in 2024, marking a major team achievement.
In the American Hockey League, he was selected to the AHL All-Star Game on two occasions while with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
During his junior career in the Ontario Hockey League, he led the league in save percentage in the 2013-14 season.
In the NHL, he has posted career totals that include a solid save percentage and multiple shutouts, with standout individual seasons including leading qualified goaltenders in save percentage during certain campaigns.
His 2024-25 performance with the Maple Leafs earned him a fifth-place finish in voting for the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league’s top goaltender.
Additionally, he has been praised for strong regular-season showings, such as career-best goals-against averages and win totals in key years.
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