TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston joins Gino Reda to discuss the goaltending plan for the Maple Leafs once Anthony Stolarz returns to the lineup, what Toronto will be prioritizing ahead of the trade deadline and what the future holds for Kiefer Sherwood in San Jose.
Gino Reda: Anthony Stolarz is on his way to the minors. So what’s next? What are the Leafs looking for now on the trade front? And now that Kiefer Sherwood is a Shark, what’s next on that front? Here’s Insider Chris Johnston with the Early Insider Trading.
CJ, Stolarz hasn’t played in over two months. When he’s ready to rejoin the big club, it’s going to be a crowded crease. So what’s going to be the plan then?
Anthony Stolarz Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz (41) skates on a break in the play during third period NHL hockey action against the Montreal Canadiens in Toronto on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn (Frank Gunn/THE CANADIAN PRESS)
Chris Johnston: At this point, it doesn’t sound like the Leafs intend to carry three goaltenders. And so that would mean when Anthony Stolarz is ready, Dennis Hildeby’s headed back to the Marlies because he is waiver exempt. But I don’t think the Leafs want to proceed too long with a three-headed goalie monster.
In the meantime, Stolarz is still working his way back. And as you mentioned, he’s getting very close. And one thing I’d point out is that even though he has joined the Marlies on a conditioning loan, the expectation at this time is that he’s not going to actually play games for them. He’s eligible to, but this is really more about getting him practice reps, getting him his own net on the ice, because that’s difficult to do when you have three goaltenders. And the Leafs at this point playing every other day do not have many practices scheduled where Stolarz can get the work he needs.
But he has done a lot over the last two-and-a-half, three weeks on ice, and the Leafs feel that he’s very close to a return. And when that happens, assuming everyone remains healthy, you will have Stolarz and Woll potentially ready for the Leafs for a game for the first time all season. The duo that had so much success last year has not actually dressed for the same game yet this year, but we are getting very close to that point with Stolarz just needing a few more practices before he’s ready to join the big club.
Reda: Nice to have some depth in net again. Listen, last night aside, the Leafs have really been turning things around. But what last night’s loss against the Wild continued to point out is the Leafs have got some holes. So what do you see them prioritizing on the trade front moving forward, CJ?
Chris Tanev PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 1: Chris Tanev #8 of the Toronto Maple Leafs controls the puck against the Philadelphia Flyers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 1, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Maple Leafs defeated the Flyers 5-2. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Johnston: Well, they’re still looking for a right shot defenseman. And obviously with Chris Tanev sidelined that remains, I think, the top priority for the team is trying to find ways to augment the group on the back end.
As you mentioned, they have certainly played some good hockey in the last few weeks. They’ve managed to bank a lot of points and stay in this playoff race. And I think at some point in time here, management would like to make a move or moves that can help bolster the lineup.
But while defense is the clear priority, I’d also mention that they’re scouring the market for forwards. And so I don’t think that it is just a one-size-fits-all.
Now, the problem have had all year long, and it remains a hurdle, is that they can’t get into the big game stuff. They just don’t have the first-round picks and other assets that you’re seeing move in some of the larger trades we’ve had already this season. So it’s going to take some creativity. It may take some bargain hunting. But the Leafs are focused on a couple different fronts right now, when it comes to potential activity that they’d like to add players.
Reda: Kiefer Sherwood came off our Trade Bait board and is headed to San Jose, but there’s still nothing done long-term. His deal right now is set to expire at the end of the season. CJ, could this turn into a rental or what’s the plan there?
Kiefer Sherwood Vancouver Canucks (John Froschauer/AP)
Johnston: Well, it’s an interesting situation because it’s not yet entirely clear. I mean, certainly the San Jose Sharks would like to extend Kiefer Sherwood. They don’t want to give up two second round picks at the stage they’re at as an organization in order to let him walk away, potentially, as a free agent this summer.
But what I can tell you is that no deal was hammered out ahead of time with Sherwood’s agent in terms of an extension. And no deal a day later exists between the club and the player. And I do think there have been some initial exploratory conversations, but the sides don’t necessarily see the world the same way just yet. And so this one might take a little bit of work and time for things to sort themselves out.
Kiefer Sherwood is excited about the opportunity that lays before him in San Jose. He’ll likely get a chance to play alongside Macklin Celebrini and continue a season where he was on pace to score 30 goals for the first time in his NHL career with Vancouver prior to a minor recent injury he suffered.
I think he’s fully willing to stay in San Jose, but it’s going to cost a fair amount of money to get that done. At this point in time, I don’t know if the Sharks are ready to quite pony up. So I think a situation that bears watching. But needless to say, the Sharks like the player, the player’s excited about the opportunity that’s in front of him, but there’s a fair bit of business that has to happen before we’re talking about him signing a contract extension in San Jose.
Reda: Nice timing by Sherwood. He’s looking for a new contract just as he’s experiencing a career year. That’s the early edition of IT. The full insider training with CJ, Pierre and Dregs is coming up on the early edition of SportsCenter.