The Toronto Maple Leafs are embarking on a reconstruction ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season following the departure of Mitch Marner. However, Auston Matthews will remain the team’s captain and primary star. His name represents high expectations, while one of his teammates, a Stanley Cup champion with the Florida Panthers, could achieve a significant milestone.
Matthews has ensured the continuity of John Tavares and Matthew Knies, two key teammates who can bring leadership to a team that needs to counter predictions suggesting it may be far from contending for another Stanley Cup.
In that context, the experience of players like goaltender Anthony Stolarz appears to be a key asset for the upcoming campaign. The goalie who won the 2023-24 Stanley Cup with the Panthers could now add a new acco