In his second year as the general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Brad Treliving’s vision for the roster is beginning to take shape.

During the offseason, Treliving focused on enhancing the team’s defense and revamping their goaltending depth. The most notable addition was defenseman Chris Tanev, along with fellow blueliners Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Jani Hakanpaa.

Goaltender Anthony Stolarz was signed as a free agent from the Cup-winning Florida Panthers, aiming to compete with presumed starting netminder Joseph Woll. Additionally, veterans Steven Lorentz and Max Pacioretty signed professional tryouts (PTOs) and secured spots on the team through their preseason performances.

Although the Maple Leafs are just a few games into the 2024-2025 season, the impact of Treliving’s offseason moves is already evident.

Stolarz Seizes His Opportunity

Concerns arose quickly regarding Woll’s injury history. Just hours before the season opener against the Montreal Canadiens, Woll was deemed unfit to play and placed on Injured Reserve (IR). With three games in four nights, the Leafs faced uncertainty in goal. Stolarz stepped up to start against the Canadiens, delivering a solid performance despite the loss.

In the second game of the back-to-back against the New Jersey Devils, promising prospect Dennis Hildeby made his NHL debut after impressing in preseason, allowing the Leafs to avoid exposing veteran Matt Murray to waivers again.

Stolarz returned as the starter for Toronto’s home opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins, making 21 saves on 23 shots for the win. His early season stats are impressive, boasting a .940 save percentage, a goals-against average of 1.54, and a goals-saved-above-expected of 2.0. This aligns perfectly with what Treliving envisioned when signing Stolarz—a goalie eager for more playing time.

Stolarz’s strong performance also provides the Leafs with extra time to allow Woll to recover fully from his injury. With only two games scheduled this week, Stolarz can face the Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers with days off in between.

Tanev and Ekman-Larsson Strengthening the Defense

Tanev has been meeting expectations, leading the team’s defense in ice time while contributing on the penalty kill. The Leafs have seen slight improvements in their penalty-killing stats, but Tanev’s ability to facilitate breakouts at even strength has been particularly valuable. He has also blocked 10 shots, leading the team.

Ekman-Larsson, for now, is playing in a top-four role and leads all defensemen in ice time through the first three games, contributing in all situations. After rejuvenating his career last season with the Panthers, he has stepped up effectively in his new role with the Leafs.

Both players, however, will need to navigate the challenges posed by the demanding NHL season, especially as they both are over 30. Nonetheless, they are currently delivering the performance the Leafs hoped for.

Another Treliving signing, Lorentz, is making his mark by adding physicality to the fourth line, ranking second on the team with six hits and contributing to the penalty kill.

While the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 2024-2025 NHL season is just beginning, Treliving’s offseason acquisitions are already proving their value, and he deserves recognition for his efforts.