Former Leafs goalie JS Giguere discusses the new goalie duo in Toronto
Photo credit: Steve Russell / Toronto Star
The Maple Leafs are ushering in a new goaltending era, and ex-Leafs goalie JS Giguere has addressed the Leafs opting for an inexperienced tandem in Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz.
After the departures of goaltenders like Frederick Andersen, Jack Campbell, Petr Mrazek, and Ilya Samsonov failed to secure postseason success, Toronto is now turning the page with a tandem boasting a modest total of 144 NHL games and 117 starts between them.
Despite their lack of extensive NHL résumés, the Maple Leafs have high expectations for Woll and Stolarz. Joseph Woll, regarded as the future cornerstone for Toronto's goal crease, carries the weight of expectation at just 25 years old. On the other side, Stolarz enters the fray off a standout season, leading the league in save percentage and goals against average, underscoring his capability as a robust second option.
In a recent episode of the "Leafs Morning Take" podcast, former Maple Leafs goalie and NHL champion Jean-Sebastien Giguere shared his insights into the potential and pressures facing the new goaltenders. Giguere expressed a mix of admiration and concern for the youthful Woll, stating,
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"I really love Woll, I like the way he plays and I think he's definitely the goalie of the future for the Leafs and I'm a little bit worried with his lack of experience, I think only being 25, being probably number one goalie in Toronto, it's a lot to ask out of you. I think his technique and his size and all that, I think he can do it, there's no doubt in my mind that he's a good goalie."
The veteran goalie also discussed Stolarz's transition to Toronto, noting his limited experience despite his age and recent achievements:
"... and with Stolarz, doesn't have a whole lot of experience himself, only 108 games in the NHL and although he's 30-years-old, he's won the Cup this year so that'll give him some experience, and he's a really good proven number 2 goalie, but going into the season with the pressure you have in Toronto, for sure you have your reservations but they're 2 capable goalies and if you can surround with them some good veterans and defense, I say why not, they can do it."
Despite their inexperience, the Leafs' management is optimistic, especially given the duo's cost-effectiveness with a combined $3.27 million AAV this season. The question remains: can Woll and Stolarz withstand the intense scrutiny and pressure inherent in Toronto's hockey market? While some players thrive under the spotlight, others falter, and only time will tell how this pair performs under the expectant gaze of one of the most passionate fan bases in the league.
The health of Woll remains a critical factor. If he manages between 45-55 starts, Stolarz could be ideally positioned for 30-35 games, rounding out a potentially effective goaltending strategy for the Leafs. With Matt Murray also in the wings as a seasoned third option, all attention will be riveted on how Woll and Stolarz navigate the upcoming 2024-25 season.
Source for Joseph Woll's statistics: Hockey-Reference
Joseph Woll
Previously on MapleLeafsLatest
| POLL |
12 JUILLET | 74 ANSWERS Former Leafs goalie JS Giguere discusses the new goalie duo in Toronto How much faith do you have in the Woll-Stolarz tandem, on a scale of 1-0? |
| 0-3 | 7 | 9.5 % |
| 4-6 | 20 | 27 % |
| 7-9 | 38 | 51.4 % |
| 10 | 9 | 12.2 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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