If Maple Leafs Want Hildeby, Stolarz Has to Leave

The Toronto Maple Leafs are headed into the Olympic break with one big problem still sitting in the middle of their roster: they can’t keep three goalies. It’s not sustainable, especially with the way this season has gone — injuries, short-term recoveries, more injuries, and the constant fear that one bad landing puts them right back where they started.

After this season, Toronto has to make a call. And when you look at the situation honestly, there’s really only one option that makes sense: they might need to trade Anthony Stolarz.

Here’s why.

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If the Oilers Try to Waive Dennis Hildeby He’ll Be Grabbed

First, Hildeby is basically unmovable. It’s not because they don’t want to move him, but because they literally can’t risk it. If the Maple Leafs put him on waivers next season, he’s gone before lunch. He’s young, cheap, plays a calm game, and has real upside. Every team in the league knows it. Someone would claim him in a heartbeat, and Toronto would lose him for nothing. That’s not happening.

Second, Woll won’t be going anywhere. He’s younger, he’s cheaper, and when he’s healthy, he’s the best goalie in the organization. The Maple Leafs have put too much development time into him to walk away now. So that’s two goalies who can’t realistically be moved.

Stolarz Is a Great Story and a Great Teammate, But…

Then there’s Stolarz. Great story, great presence, great teammate. But he’s also the one who makes the most sense to trade. He’s older, he’s had a long list of injuries over the years, and he’ll have a 16-team no-trade clause kicking in with his new extension. If Toronto waits too long, moving him becomes way harder.

And honestly, the biggest reason might be this: the Maple Leafs must think about what’s next. With three goalies holding spots, they’ll have to make a call. Cap’s tight. Roster’s tight. Something has to give.

If the Maple Leafs Want to Keep Hildeby, Stolarz Might Need to Be Moved Now

It’s not anti-Stolarz. It’s just how the math works. If they want to keep Hildeby, keep Woll, and stay flexible at the deadline, the only real move is to find Stolarz a new spot while his value is still high and his trade protection is still manageable.

It’s not ideal, but it might be necessary — and Toronto’s front office knows it.

Related: Maple Leafs Insider Expects Rielly Trade to Sign Point-Per-Game Defenseman