Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

New Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz had some very positive things to say about goaltending prospect Dennis Hildeby, who has surprised him at training camp.

Stolarz, who signed a 2-year deal with the Maple Leafs this summer, was interviewed on Saturday ahead of Sunday’s pre-season opener, and could not help but give credit where credit is due. In very short order, Stolarz has become a big fan of Hildeby’s game.

Hildeby, like Stolarz, is a very large-bodied goaltender. Stolarz (6’6) covers a lot of net, but Hildeby (6’7) covers just a little bit more. What’s more problematic for the opposition, though, is how well he moves for his size. Stolarz mentioned this in his media comments on the weekend.
“I think it’s his poise. For such a big guy he moves extremely well and once he gets that experience I think he’ll be one hell of a goalie in this league,” Stolarz said.
 

 

That’s high praise coming from the 30-year-old who just won the Stanley Cup and posted an excellent .925 save percentage in 27 games last season. The two have been working together in Group B while training camp is underway. Stolarz is also acting as a mentor for the younger Hildeby.

“I’ve just been going out there and giving him pointers. Obviously me being a big guy like him, he’s able to watch me and anything he picks up from me he’s asking me,” Stolarz said.It’s assumed that Stolarz will share starts with Joseph Woll as the top goalie tandem for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season, while the 23-year-old Hildeby will return to the Toronto Marlies for a second season where he’ll play big minutes (no pun intended).
The season is long and injuries happen. If Hildeby picks up where he left off, he will be atop the the list to be recalled to the NHL if the Leafs’ crease gets banged up. Assuming Stolarz is right, it won’t be long before Hildeby is called up for good, perhaps at some point in the next 2-3 season. Three excellent goalies is a great problem to have.