Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Shattenkirk, Robertson & Stolarz – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

In this edition of Toronto Maple Leafs News & Rumors, I will examine three important things. First, with the Maple Leafs looking to strengthen their defense, is there a veteran that can help stabilize the team on a limited contract? Anyone strong, knowledgeable, and experienced? The possibility of signing Kevin Shattenkirk would be worth checking out.

Second, the Nick Robertson situation needs to be resolved sooner rather than later. He asked for a trade, but the team shouldn't comply. What will happen to him, and when will it happen?

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Third, I'm going to check out new goaltender Anthony Stolarz, who might be the team's real goaltender (pun intended). He is a mystery because no matter where he played, he was strong. With the Florida Panthers, he was great as a backup. With the Anaheim Ducks, he was also good as a backup. Whether the team in front of him is good or bad, he seems to play. Can he do the same for the Maple Leafs?

Item 1: Any Chance the Leafs Can Sign Veteran Defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk?

Kevin Shattenkirk is a 35-year-old, right-handed shooting guard who is past his prime. Still, he has some experience and the know-how that he can contribute to the Maple Leafs' roster. Last season, he put up 24 points for the Boston Bruins, which is respectable considering that he is now a low defenseman. And he's affordable, making just over a million last season. If he wants to play, he will have to sign a contract equal to the league minimum.

Signing Shattenkirk would be similar to what the Maple Leafs did with Mark Giordano. Could he just be a better option than Giordano was? Say what you will about Giordano; he was money in the bank in his first season in Toronto.

Shattenkirk won't light up the power play or be the puck-moving defender he was. However, it is not an easy time to believe that he can still be a solid green line pair down. His experience and low cap hit make him an interesting option for the Maple Leafs to consider as they look to bolster their defensive depth.

Item 2: The Clock Fits Nick Robertson's Future With Maple Leafs

There is less than a week left in the arbitration window. However, that doesn't mean anything to Nick Robertson, who has no arbitration rights. That makes his future with the Maple Leafs all the more certain—but also all the more frustrating. However, he has no control over what happens to him.

Related: Nick Robertson's Future With Maple Leafs

As a restricted free agent, he requested a trade at the end of June and expressed his desire not to re-sign with the team. This happened after a season in which Robertson played a career-high 56 games, scoring 14 goals and 27 points. However, he struggled with defensive consistency and never gained the full trust of former head coach Sheldon Keefe.

His lack of arbitration rights complicates the situation. Connor Dewar requested a salary hearing but signed with the team before that hearing took place. On the other hand, Robertson must negotiate directly with the team. That makes him less powerful in contract negotiations. This lack of negotiating power is a recurring theme for Robertson, likely adding to his frustration with the team.

The Maple Leafs don't have to move him despite his trade request. New General Manager (GM) Brad Treliving has to hope that Robertson can make the most of another opportunity under new coach Craig Berube. You have power, but how to unlock it remains the key.

Mediation or not, one would think that decisions should be made soon. The Maple Leafs' options seem to include (1) Honoring his request and seeking a trade partner in return, (2) Convincing him to stay and see if a new training facility can help him thrive, or (3) Working out. about a mutually agreeable contract without the measure of arbitration, a situation that often left Robertson feeling powerless and certainly left him very unhappy.

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The Maple Leafs must act quickly to determine Robertson's fate, as the young player's patience and options dwindle.

Item 3: Anthony Stolarz's Maple Leaf Mystery

The Maple Leafs made another notable move on the goaltending roster by signing Anthony Stolarz to a two-year contract. Fresh off winning a Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers, the 31-year-old netminder brings experience and passion to the team's crease.

Of interest is the possibility that Stlarz could be a quality goalkeeper. He has never had a chance because he has been overshadowed by seasoned players throughout his career. He was a reliable backup to John Gibson in Anaheim and Sergei Bobrovsky in Florida. However, in each case, his performance has been impressive. Last season, he posted a 16-7-2 record with a 2.03 goals against average (GAA) and a .925 save percentage (SV%) in 27 games for the Panthers. These numbers underscore his ability to provide help when called upon.

Stlarz's skills were especially evident during his time with the Ducks. In the 2021-22 season, he maintained a 12-8-3 record with a 2.67 GAA and .917 SV%, showing success even when playing for a struggling team. He has the ability to save money that is challenging, which highlights his honesty.

The Maple Leafs present a new opportunity for Stolarz, who aims to earn more playing time and challenge Joseph Woll for the starting spot. With Woll's career marred by early health issues, Stolarz's arrival provides a solid backup option. His confidence and proven track record make him a valuable asset to the team.

If Stolarz can maintain his form, the Maple Leafs could benefit from a successful pitching duo. The mystery of Stolarz lies in his ability to rise when given an opportunity – a good team (Panthers) or a bad team (Ducks). His consistent performance and confidence suggest he could be ready to make a significant impact in Toronto.

What's Next in Maple Leaves?

Considering the signing of Alex Nylander, I was especially impressed with his closeness with his brother, William. This was a smart move by the Maple Leafs, using family ties to improve team cohesion. However, when I think about Robertson, I wonder if there might be a connection between Nylander's arrival and Robertson's possible future with or without the team.

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If the team is preparing to move Robertson, could younger brother Nylander be part of the solution? This team must not pass him on waivers because he has signed a contract with the American Hockey League (AHL) Toronto Marlies. This is a smart move, allowing the Marlies' other rookies to have a crack at the roster during training camp while keeping Nylander ready on the wings.

This flexibility with Nylander's contract means he can easily slot into the lineup if Robertson leaves. Interestingly, the Maple Leafs may consider all angles. Robertson and Nylander could be connected in some way, and Nylander is ready to fill any void left by the trade of Robertson.

Ultimately, we will have to wait and see how this situation unfolds. The team's decisions in the coming weeks could determine whether there is a connection between Nylander's signing and Robertson's future with the team.