Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz is set to start in net during their upcoming match against the Vegas Golden Knights. This announcement was made by head coach Craig Berube. Stolarz, who is 32 years old, has been sidelined since November 11 due to a nerve injury. To regain his game fitness, he was assigned to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies for a conditioning stint on January 20.
This season, Stolarz has a record of 6 wins, 5 losses, and 1 overtime loss, with a goals-against average of 3.51 and a save percentage of .884 across 13 games played.
Morning Skate Participation
In addition to Stolarz’s return, defensemen Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Brandon Carlo participated in the morning skate. Both players had to leave Wednesday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings early due to injuries. As of now, their availability for Friday’s game remains uncertain.
- Oliver Ekman-Larsson: 34 years old, 8 goals, 31 points in 50 games this season, leads Maple Leafs defense corps.
- Brandon Carlo: 29 years old, 4 assists in 27 games, recently returned from foot surgery.
The team has also recalled Henry Thrun, a 24-year-old defenseman, from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. Thrun was acquired during the off-season from the San Jose Sharks in a trade for forward Ryan Reaves. He has participated in four games with the Maple Leafs this term.
Transactions from Other Teams
In related news, the Winnipeg Jets assigned forward Danny Zhilkin and defenseman Isaak Phillips to the AHL’s Manitoba Moose. Zhilkin, 22, was drafted 77th overall in 2022 and has tallied seven goals and 14 points in 30 AHL games this season. Phillips, aged 24, was acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks in January 2025 and has managed three assists in 33 games with the Moose.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild assigned forwards Hunter Haight and Ben Jones to the AHL’s Iowa Wild. Haight, a 21-year-old drafted 47th overall in 2022, boasts seven goals and 12 points in 26 AHL games. Jones, 26, has one goal and two points in 26 games with the Wild this season.
Golden Knights Roster Update
The Vegas Golden Knights may see Rasmus Andersson make his debut against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Andersson was acquired from the Calgary Flames and has faced delays in playing due to visa issues. He is currently considered a 50-50 chance of participating in Friday’s game. This season, he has recorded 10 goals and 30 points in 48 games.
As the NHL regular season progresses, injury updates and roster movements remain crucial for teams as they strive for playoff positions.
