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Stolarz's 3.73 GAA and .897 save percentage don't look like anything special, but those were decent numbers given the massive flaws in the Ducks' defense last year. He also managed a 5-6-0 record over 19 games, while frequently spelling the overmatched John Gibson. Stolarz's efforts didn't go unnoticed, with the Eastern Conference Champion Panthers signing him to a one-year deal to compete for the backup job. Spencer Knight will also be in contention to serve as Sergei Bobrovsky's understudy, but Stolarz's experience should give him the upper hand in that competition.
Due to injuries to starter John Gibson, Stolarz played in a career-high 28 games a season ago. His numbers (12-8-3, 2.67 GAA, .917 save percentage, 3 shutouts) were quite impressive considering the mediocre talent around him. The two are expected to work in tandem again this year, limiting Stolarz's fantasy value. That said, he is a pending unrestricted free agent next summer and a potential stash for those in leagues with deep benches as Stolarz could very easily be a starter somewhere in the fall of 2023.
His playing time was limited as Anaheim's No. 3 goaltender behind John Gibson and Ryan Miller a season ago, but Stolarz looked good (4-3-0, 2.20 GAA, .926 save percentage) in the eight games worth of NHL action he did see. Stolarz went on to represent Team USA at the IIHF World Championship following the season, although a lower-body injury ended his tournament early. Stolarz is slated to back up Gibson this coming year following Miller's retirement. It's not a gig that will lead to fantasy production and one would have to think Anaheim will bring in outside reinforcements should Gibson go down with an injury.
Stolarz posted a 21-12-6 record, a 2.66 GAA and a .922 save percentage in 39 games with AHL San Diego in 2019-20. He was stuck behind Ryan Miller on the depth chart all of last year, but the 26-year-old Stolarz appears to be the likely backup to John Gibson entering 2020-21. With Gibson expected to see the vast majority of the starting duties even in a condensed season, Stolarz can't be counted on for more than 25 percent of the games. He's been decent in Philadelphia and Edmonton in the past, but 2020-21 will represent his first chance to earn a full-time NHL job. Stolarz is also in a contract year, so he'll be hoping to make an impression even in limited opportunities. He'll be a non-factor in most fantasy formats.
Stolarz went 4-5-3 in 18 NHL appearances in 2018-19 between Philadelphia and Edmonton. After signing with the Ducks, putting pen to paper on a two-year deal, Stolarz will spend most of 2019-20 in the AHL considering John Gibson and Ryan Miller figure to be mainstays in Anaheim's crease next season. With that in mind, avoid Stolarz on draft day and only turn to the 25-year-old in the event of an injury to either Gibson or Miller, both of whom have had injury concerns to this point in their respective careers. History shows Stolarz will get a shot in Anaheim next year, but it won't likely come on his terms.
Just when it appeared that the Flyers would rip the training wheels off this talented backstop, he suffered a torn MCL in his right knee and ends up needing multiple surgeries in an attempt to correct the malady. Stolarz found his way into seven games with the Flyers last season, fashioning a robust 2-1-1 record, 2.07 GAA and .928 save mark. He'll be a restricted free agent next summer, and a lot hinges on his ability to recover in strong fashion.
The Flyers' second-round pick from 2012 has had two great seasons with OHL London, but he comes carrying the shame of a Ron Hextall-esque suspension for stick swinging. Last March during a playoff game, Stolarz lost his head and chopped his stick down the back of an opponent's head. He was suspended for eight games, but was later reduced to six. But the shame remains. He's talented and tall, and that's enough to put him on the fast track to Philly. He's pencilled in to start the season in the AHL, but he's just an injury from his NHL debut. Remember his name. And stay away from his stick.
The 6-foot-5 Stolarz had a 2.29 goals against average and a .920 save percentage in his first year in the OHL. Those are decent numbers, considering Stolarz is just 19. Still, he'll need a few more years before he sees consistent NHL action, so he's only worth a look for long-term keeper leagues.
Stolarz is still a few years away from tending a net in the NHL and will be playing at the University of Nebraska-Omaha during the 2012-13 season. The 6-foot-5 giant was a good pick up for the Flyers who have been having serious goalie issues as of late and appear short on netminding prospects.
