Leafs' Stolarz out 4-6 weeks to remove loose body in knee

Anthony Stolarz's injury is worse than initially feared.

The Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender will undergo surgery to remove a loose body in his knee and miss four-to-six weeks, general manager Brad Trelviing announced Tuesday, per TSN. Treliving added that while an MRI revealed no structural damage, the loose body looks like a "little pebble."

Stolarz suffered the injury Thursday against the Anaheim Ducks. He was deemed day-to-day on Friday.

The 30-year-old journeyman has been exceptional for the Maple Leafs this season, leading all NHL goaltenders with a .927 save percentage in 17 appearances. He also ranks third in goals saved above expected (14.59) behind Lukas Dostal (20.24) and Connor Hellebuyck (25.05), per Evolving-Hockey.

The Maple Leafs signed Stolarz as a free agent to a two-year, $5-million deal in the offseason.

Joseph Woll is expected to handle the bulk of the starts with Stolarz sidelined. The 26-year-old has been stellar since returning from an early-season injury, posting a .918 save percentage in 12 appearances. He ranks 17th in the league with 5.44 GSAx.

Toronto recalled netminder Dennis Hildeby from the AHL, and he stopped 24 of 27 shots in a win over the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday. The Maple Leafs could also turn to two-time Stanley Cup champion Matt Murray if they're seeking more experience behind Woll. The 30-year-old veteran has posted a .919 save percentage in seven games this season with the AHL's Toronto Marlies. He last appeared in the NHL in April 2023.