Maple Leafs news and rumors: Tanev, Woll, Stolarz & Murray – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

In this edition of Toronto Maple Leafs News & Rumors, I'll take a look at the new players on the team's roster this season. I will also look at the signed players that were already on the list. I will also share where these players could fit into the Maple Leafs plans for next season.

Item 1: Chris Tanev Takes 6-Year Deal

On Monday, Chris Tanev signed a six-year, $27 million contract with the Maple Leafs. He will be heading to his hometown of Toronto in what is likely to be his final contract, given that he is 34 years old. The veteran blueliner split between the Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars last season, making 75 regular season appearances in which he scored twice. goals, 17 assists, and 207 blocked shots.

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Although Tanev will provide little to the Maple Leafs, his presence on the roster is invaluable. Expected to play around 20 minutes per night, his defensive prowess and experience will make him a mainstay for the Maple Leafs, adding stability and reliability to their blue line.

Item 2: Joseph Woll Signs 3-Year Extension

Joseph Woll signed a three-year, $10.98 million contract with the Maple Leafs on Monday. He posted a 12-11-1 record with a 2.93 goals-against average (GAA) and a .907 save percentage (SV%) in 25 regular-season games with the Maple Leafs in 2023-24. He also went 2-0 with a 0.86 GAA and .964 SV% in the playoffs before missing Game 7 against the Boston Bruins with a back injury.

Woll should be ready for the start of the 2024-25 campaign. He has to deal first with Anthony Stolarz, who was signed by the Maple Leafs on July 1. However, he may see the majority of game action if he stays healthy.

Item 3: Anthony Stolarz Secures 2-Year Deal

Stolarz signed a two-year, $5 million contract with Toronto on Monday. He posted an impressive 16-7-2 record with two shutouts, a 2.03 GAA, and a .925 SV% in 27 regular season appearances with the Florida Panthers in 2023-24. This solid performance makes him a valuable addition to the Maple Leafs roster. His experience and proven ability to perform under pressure provides much-needed stability in the goalscoring department.

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Stolarz is expected to share the crease with Woll, who will likely get more playing time and provide reliable backup support. His signing gives the Maple Leafs an inexpensive and reliable option between the pipes, ensuring they have two solid goaltenders for the 2024-25 season.

Also on Monday, Oliver Ekman-Larsson signed a four-year, $14 million contract with the Maple Leafs. He had a strong 2023-24 season with the Panthers, including nine goals, 32 points, 76 penalty minutes (PIM), 105 hits, and 70 blocked shots in 80 regular season games. His postseason performance was equally impressive. He posted two goals, six points, 24 PIM, 65 hits, and 18 blocked shots in 24 playoff games, playing a key role in Florida's Stanley Cup victory.

The addition of Ekman-Larsson to the Maple Leafs brings veteran experience and stability to the defense. He will likely see significant time on the second power play unit although he could work on the third pairing. His ability to contribute offensively and his physical presence make him a valuable asset to the team. With a proven track record of consistent performance, he is set to improve the depth and reliability of the Maple Leafs blue line.

Item 5: Matt Murray 1 Year Renewal

After battling a long-term hip injury, Matt Murray signed a one-year, $875,000 contract with the Maple Leafs on Monday. Although he did not appear in an NHL game last season due to his injury, he did manage to play in three minor league contests, posting a 1-2-0 record with a 4.03 GAA and .846 SV%. As a two-time Stanley Cup champion, Murray brings valuable experience and a winning pedigree to the team.

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While he's currently viewed as an insurance policy in case Woll or Stolarz miss significant time, Murray has the potential to make a meaningful impact. If he can regain his solid form, he could be a great addition to the Maple Leafs, providing much-needed depth and reliability between the pipes. His presence would provide the team with a reliable option and further strengthen their attacking line-up.

Item 6: Jani Hakanpaa Gets 2 Year Contract

On Monday, Jani Hakanpaa signed a two-year, $3 million contract with the Maple Leafs. He recorded two goals, 12 points, 196 rebounds, and 123 blocked shots in 64 regular season games with the Dallas Stars in 2023-24. His season was cut short by a knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery, which sidelined him after March 16.

If healthy, Hakanpaa is expected to play a major role in Toronto's defensive third pairing. His physical strength and shot blocking skills will add strength and reliability to the Maple Leafs defense. His presence on the ice can be invaluable in high-pressure situations, especially in the playoffs, where his strong defensive play and experience can help anchor Toronto's blue line.