Maple Leafs Rumors: Potential Goaltender Targets In Free Agency

As the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare for the offseason, their focus sharpens on reinforcing the goaltending department through free agency.

The expected departure of Illya Samsonov opens up a slot, and the Leafs have several notable goaltenders to fill the void in free agency.

Among the potential names available are Cam Talbot, Laurent Brossoit, Anthony Stolarz, Kevin Lankinen, Alex Nedeljkovic, and Scott Wedgewood, each bringing a distinct set of skills and experiences that could benefit Toronto’s quest for stability and depth between the pipes.

Laurent Brossoit stops every shot sent his way for his third @pepsi shutout of the season! 🛩️ pic.twitter.com/EeeAU5j2nb

— NHL (@NHL) April 12, 2024

Cam Talbot stands out as a seasoned veteran whose consistency and playoff experience could provide the backbone the Leafs need. His proven track record as a reliable starter offers an immediate boost.

On the other hand, Laurent Brossoit and Anthony Stolarz offer flexibility and potential; Brossoit has demonstrated his capability in backup roles, while Stolarz’s size and agility make him a candidate for more extensive responsibilities. Stolarz is coming off the best season of his career, boasting a remarkable .927 SV% across 27 games played with the Florida Panthers.

Brossoit also put up career-highs this season, recording a very impressive .927 SV%, 2.00 GAA, three shutouts, and a 15-5-2 record across 23 games played with the Winnipeg Jets.

Anthony Stolarz makes a remarkable save on Andrew Mangiapane. Wow #Flames | #TimeToHunt
🎥: Sportsnet | NHL pic.twitter.com/juMSJ3jJmZ

— Robert Munnich (@RingOfFireCGY) March 9, 2024

Both could compete for spots to support or even challenge the starting goaltender.

The younger cohort of Kevin Lankinen and Alex Nedeljkovic represents emerging talents with significant upside. Lankinen’s commendable performances with the Chicago Blackhawks and Nashville Predators suggest he could handle the pressures of a hockey-hungry market like Toronto, while Nedeljkovic’s recent performances highlights his potential as a long-term solution in net.

Meanwhile, Wedgewood, who’s from just outside of Toronto, has been a reliable goalie for several seasons now and is an attractive option for adding depth. Photo Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports