Get Real: Stolarz Missing Olympic Camp Is Not a Snub

Old Prof August 21, 2025 in Banner News, Featured, NHL, Toronto Maple Leafs Tagged Toronto Maple Leafs - 2 Minutes

The U.S. orientation camp roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics sparked its usual round of debates. Names like Tage Thompson, Alex DeBrincat, and Thatcher Demko being left off got plenty of attention. But some fans have also pointed to Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz as a snub. Let’s be honest—that’s stretching things.

For Stolarz, One Great Season Isn’t Enough

Yes, Stolarz was terrific in his first year with the Maple Leafs. He posted a .926 save percentage and a 2.14 goals-against average across 34 games. The advanced numbers backed it up, too—he ranked second in the NHL in goals saved above expected, trailing only Connor Hellebuyck (Team USA’s probable starter). On paper, those stats look like they belong to an Olympic candidate.

But here’s the reality: this was the first time in Stolarz’s career he played more than 30 games in a season. Before that, his numbers came in limited work behind Sergei Bobrovsky in Florida, where the Panthers were one of the league’s best defensive teams. One strong season—cut short by injury, no less—doesn’t vault a goalie past proven names.

Look at Who’s Ahead of Stolarz

Let’s also consider the competition. Hellebuyck is still the U.S. starter, and Jake Oettinger, at 26, has already proven himself in big moments. Jeremy Swayman is also 26 and still developing into a top-tier option. Joey Daccord earned his spot after a breakout year, and even Dustin Wolf—at just 24—represents the future of American goaltending.

At 31, Stolarz is a late bloomer. That’s fine, but it means he’s behind a crowd of younger, more established, and more trusted netminders. Calling his absence a snub is ignoring that reality.

Anthony Stolarz had a solid first season with the Maple Leafs.

Get Real, Maple Leafs Fans – Right Now Other Goalies Are More Proven

The good news for Stolarz? He’s in a great situation with the Maple Leafs, and if he puts together another healthy, high-level season, USA Hockey will have to take notice. But let’s not get carried away. Missing this camp doesn’t mean he’s been wronged—it just means he hasn’t earned his spot yet.

For now, there’s no snub here—just a goalie who still has more to prove. Maple Leafs fans have to hope he does just that.