Stolarz feels hopeful with goaltending partner Woll

Maple Leafs netminder Joseph Woll has been impressive in his short stint with Toronto, including a solid rookie season but broke through as a stalwart for the Leafs in their brief playoff run.

He impressed the Leafs enough to offer him a 3-year extension, and it wasn't just his team keeping tabs on him. Speaking recently to Leafs Morning Take with Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill, new Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz spoke about how he had an idea of Woll's potential before he even signed.

"I've heard nothing but great things [about Woll]. He reached out when I first signed and we just kind of, you know, shot a little text over. We have the same agent and my agent had nothing but great things to say about him," Stolarz said. "I think Dakota Mermis, his dad coached him in St. Louis, I think, when we were together. So I kind of knew a little bit about him even before [he was] drafted and whatnot. So it's an exciting opportunity and I'm looking forward to working with him."

So it seems the familiarities run a bit further than simply "fellow NHL goaltender" as both men share the same player agent, as well as a connection to fellow Leafs signee Dakota Mermis. Stolarz was brought in to be a steady backup should the younger and less established Woll begin to struggle; though it looks like it'll be less competition and more communication.

For the first time in many years, goaltending seems to be the last concern of the Leafs' minds. It's definitely a sigh of relief that was desperately needed.

Previously on MapleLeafsLatest

Ron MacLean's status after Sportsnet layoffs; could he be next?

Former Leaf Barabanov darts for KHL; signs 2-year deal in Russia

Bettman at it again, Leafs newest CBA victim of NHL Commissioner

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2 AOUT \| 48 ANSWERS Stolarz feels hopeful with goaltending partner Woll Will Anthony Stolarz Be The Key To Leafs Success In Net?
Yes	36	75 %
No	9	18.8 %
Only in Playoffs	1	2.1 %
2nd Coming of CuJo	2	4.2 %
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