The recovery of Anthony Stolarz from knee surgery is moving forward, with NHL insider Darren Dreger sharing a positive update on the Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender during a Friday report. Stolarz, who last played on December 12 against the Anaheim Ducks, underwent surgery to remove a loose body from his knee and has been out of action for over a month.
During his appearance on TSN Toronto 1050’s “First Up,” Dreger discussed Stolarz’s potential return timeline, noting that he might not be back until at least February, depending on how well he recovers. “The impression I received was that there is optimism he could be back in a game by late January, but they wouldn’t be worried if it extended into early February,” Dreger mentioned.
According to Dreger, the Leafs are taking a careful approach to ensure that Stolarz is completely healthy before making his return, as they want to avoid any setbacks or re-injury. “It’s just about testing the leg, seeing how it feels, and gradually working your way back,” Dreger explained on Monday. “Once he can participate in practice, that will indicate he’s close to returning.” Leafs head coach Craig Berube also provided some updates over the weekend, confirming that Stolarz has started skating and may be able to join team practices soon, although he didn’t provide a specific timeline. “He’s doing well.
He skated this morning,” Berube stated. “I don’t have a timeline [for his return] right now. Hopefully, it won’t be too long. We’ll see how things progress, but he’s feeling good.” In Stolarz’s absence, the Maple Leafs have relied on Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby in goal. Prior to his injury, Stolarz had a record of 9-5-2, with a 2.15 goals-against average and a .928 save percentage this season.
The team has managed well without him, currently leading the Atlantic Division with a record of 28-16-2, which puts them three points ahead of the second-place Florida Panthers.
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