Anthony Stolarz Bio
Anthony Stolarz is an American professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on January 20, 1994, in Edison, New Jersey, Stolarz has played for several NHL teams including the Philadelphia Flyers, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, and Florida Panthers. He won the Stanley Cup in 2024 with the Florida Panthers and began his hockey career in New Jersey before advancing to professional ranks.
Early Life and Background
Anthony Stolarz was born in Edison, New Jersey, and raised in Jackson Township. A fan of the New Jersey Devils, he grew up admiring goaltender Martin Brodeur and was influenced by his older brother Todd, who also played as a goaltender in junior hockey. Stolarz began playing goaltender using the butterfly style from a young age to accommodate his tall stature.
He played youth hockey in New Jersey, including tournaments in Wildwood and Vineland, and appeared in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with a Devils minor hockey affiliate. Stolarz attended St. John Vianney High School before transferring to Jackson Memorial High School, where he played hockey and basketball. During his high school years, he experienced a significant growth spurt, reaching 6 feet 5 inches tall.
Path to Hockey
In the 2010–11 season, Stolarz played for the New Jersey Hitmen in the Empire Junior Hockey League, posting solid statistics. He then moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, to join the Corpus Christi IceRays of the North American Hockey League for the 2011–12 season, where he demonstrated strong goaltending skills with multiple shutouts.
Ranked fourth among North American goaltending prospects for the 2012 NHL Draft, Stolarz was selected 45th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers. He accepted a scholarship to play college hockey at the University of Nebraska Omaha but left after eight games to join the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League. With the Knights, he became the starting goaltender and posted impressive numbers before an injury interrupted his 2013–14 season.
Anthony Stolarz Career
Early Career (2014–2016)
Stolarz signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2013 and spent the 2014–15 season with their AHL affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. He improved his performance in the following season, setting a franchise record for saves in a game and participating in the 2016 AHL All-Star Classic.
He was called up to the Flyers in November 2016 and made his NHL debut later that month, becoming the first goaltender born in New Jersey to play in the NHL. During the 2016–17 season, he played seven games with the Flyers, recording a shutout and solid statistics before undergoing knee surgery in April 2017.
Philadelphia Flyers and Edmonton Oilers (2016–2019)
Stolarz faced injuries that limited his playtime in the 2017–18 season but returned to the Flyers’ roster in 2018–19. After a series of injuries to other goaltenders, he became one of the Flyers’ primary goaltenders, earning a shutout against the New York Rangers. In February 2019, he was traded to the Edmonton Oilers, where he made his debut and first start before becoming a free agent at the season’s end.
Anaheim Ducks Era (2019–2023)
In July 2019, Stolarz signed a two-season contract with the Anaheim Ducks. He spent much of the 2019–20 season with their AHL affiliate, the San Diego Gulls, and made his first start for the Ducks in March 2020. In 2021, he signed a two-year extension and set a franchise record for most saves in a shutout. He played primarily as a backup and taxi squad member during this period.
Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs (2023–Present)
Stolarz signed with the Florida Panthers for the 2023–24 season and made his NHL playoff debut in the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals, contributing to the team’s championship victory. Following this success, he signed a two-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs in July 2024 and agreed to a four-year extension in September 2025.
Playing Style and Strengths
Stolarz is known for his tall frame and butterfly goaltending style, which allows him to cover the net effectively. His height and agility contribute to his strong positional play and ability to make high-pressure saves. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated resilience in overcoming injuries and adapting to different team dynamics.
Notable Events and Milestones
Stolarz became the first NHL goaltender born in New Jersey and set a franchise record for most saves in a shutout with the Anaheim Ducks. His career highlight includes winning the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers in 2024, marking a significant milestone in his professional journey.
Anthony Stolarz Career Wins
Anthony Stolarz has accumulated wins across multiple NHL teams and the AHL, showcasing his development from a promising prospect to a Stanley Cup champion. His career includes notable shutouts and key victories that have contributed to his teams’ successes.
National Hockey League Highlights
Stolarz recorded his first NHL shutout with the Philadelphia Flyers and has played important roles with the Flyers, Oilers, Ducks, Panthers, and Maple Leafs. His playoff debut in 2024 culminated in a Stanley Cup victory with the Panthers, underscoring his impact at the highest level of professional hockey.
American Hockey League and Junior Highlights
Before establishing himself in the NHL, Stolarz posted strong performances in the AHL with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and San Diego Gulls. His junior career included significant achievements with the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League, where he was a key starting goaltender.
Anthony Stolarz Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Anthony Stolarz grew up in a hockey-influenced family in New Jersey. His older brother Todd also played as a goaltender in junior hockey, and the brothers shared a passion for the sport from a young age, inspired by NHL goaltenders like Martin Brodeur and Ron Hextall.
Personal Life
Details about Stolarz’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Anthony Stolarz has secured a four-year contract extension, reflecting the team’s confidence in his abilities. His role is expected to be significant as the Maple Leafs aim to strengthen their goaltending depth and compete for the Stanley Cup. Stolarz’s experience and resilience position him as a valuable asset for the team’s future campaigns.