Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz avoids throat injury after scary accident

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22 March 2026 at 11:06

The Toronto Maple Leafs avoided a major scare after goaltender Anthony Stolarz was struck in the throat during warmups before their game in Ottawa. The incident forced the NHL goalie to leave the ice immediately and seek medical attention.

The team confirmed he was taken to hospital for precautionary imaging shortly after the hit.

“Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz left warmups tonight in Ottawa after taking a puck to the throat and has been taken to hospital for precautionary imaging. An update will be provided when available.” Leafs PR posted on X.

The puck that struck Stolarz came off the stick of teammate William Nylander during routine warmup drills. Nylander expressed concern after the game, explaining the shot did not go where he intended.

“Obviously, it’s, you know, really tough to see that happen,” Nylander said about the hit on Stolarz. “I mean, I always come in and shoot puck in the glove, and this one just came off a little bit to the left, and I hit him in the neck. So, I was obviously worried for him, but I’ve been texting with him, so he seems to be OK.”

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Hours later, Toronto shared a positive update, confirming Stolarz had been released and would rejoin the team for the trip back home. The quick release eased concerns around what initially looked like a serious injury.

“Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz was released from hospital following precautionary imaging and will return to Toronto with the team.” Leafs PR announced.

With Stolarz unavailable, Joseph Woll stepped in as the starter and made 38 saves in a 5-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators.

Anthony Stolarz’s incident came during a challenging season

The incident adds to a challenging season for Stolarz, who has already dealt with injuries. He holds an 8-9-3 record with a 3.34 goals-against average in 22 appearances. His availability for the upcoming game against the Boston Bruins remains uncertain.

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz (41) during a break in the action at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Toronto may need to consider depth options if he cannot play in the upcoming games.

For a team already dealing with inconsistency and injuries, this outcome brings some relief. The focus now shifts to monitoring his recovery and ensuring stability in goal during a critical stretch of the season.