When the Toronto Maple Leafs signed veteran goaltender Anthony Stolarz this summer, the plan was for him to serve as a backup to rising star Joseph Woll. However, Stolarz has exceeded expectations right out of the gate. His outstanding shutout performance against Boston on Tuesday has made it clear that, for now, Stolarz is the Leafs’ No. 1 goalie.

While players like Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson were expected to be key additions, Stolarz has arguably been the best acquisition of the year—and one of the best-value signings of the entire off-season. His calm under pressure and fundamentally sound play have earned him a reputation as possibly the most technically proficient Maple Leafs goalie since Ed Belfour. Stolarz has posted a 2.12 goals-against average and a .928 save percentage in nine games, placing him among the top 10 in both categories.

This doesn’t mean Woll isn’t deserving of playing time, but Stolarz has clearly earned the right to start the majority of games moving forward. He should take the net for two of every three contests, with Woll stepping in for the second half of back-to-backs or in relief. Stolarz has been stellar in all but one of his five wins, allowing two goals or fewer in each of those victories. He’s shown he can handle a heavy workload and perform under the intense scrutiny of playing in Toronto.

At just $2.5 million, Stolarz has been a bargain, and the excitement around him is palpable, both among his teammates and Leafs fans, who finally have a true game-changer between the pipes. After spending years as a backup with the Philadelphia Flyers, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, and Florida Panthers—culminating in a Stanley Cup win with the Panthers last season—Stolarz has found a home in Toronto. If he continues to perform at this level, he could be a key factor in the Leafs’ quest for success in the tough Atlantic Division.