Anthony Stolarz Signs with Edmonton Oilers After Declining Maple Leafs’ Offer

In a surprising turn of events during the NHL offseason, goaltender Anthony Stolarz has officially signed with the Edmonton Oilers after turning down a two-year contract extension from the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 30-year-old netminder made headlines this weekend when he announced his decision, stating that playing for Edmonton had always been a personal dream.
“Edmonton was my target team,” Stolarz said in a brief statement. “This is a franchise I’ve admired for a long time, and I’ll forever love the opportunity to wear this jersey. The energy, the passion of the fans, the legacy—it’s all something special.”
Stolarz spent the past season backing up in Toronto, where he posted solid numbers and emerged as a reliable second option behind Ilya Samsonov. Despite Toronto’s interest in retaining him for an additional two years, Stolarz reportedly declined the extension in favor of pursuing an opportunity where he felt a stronger personal connection.
With the Oilers, Stolarz joins a team eager to build upon a promising core led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Goaltending has been a point of concern in recent years, and Stolarz brings experience, size, and consistency to the crease.
The terms of the contract have not yet been fully disclosed, but sources suggest a one-year deal with performance incentives. For Stolarz, it’s more than just a contract—it’s a chance to live out a lifelong goal.
“I’m here to compete, support this team, and do whatever it takes to help bring a Stanley Cup to Edmonton,” he added.
Fans in Edmonton have welcomed the move with enthusiasm, hopeful that Stolarz can be a dependable presence in net and a key piece in a deep playoff running