Free agency is upon us.

Toronto signs a tandem goaltender as Anthony Stolarz goes from the cup winning Florida Panthers to the Toronto Maple Leafs on a 2 year deal, worth around $2.5M. Stolarz had amazing numbers last year backing up Sergei Bobrovsky. Stolarz tended to a .925SV% and a 2.03GAA in 27 appearances with Florida last season, showing that he can handle his own as a tandem goaltender. Stolarz stands at 6’6″ tall, filling the net quite nicely. Despite the size, he is very athletic, so he gives the Leafs the reliability in net if Joe Woll goes down with an injury.

Stolarz was a target for Toronto ever since we learned that he was going to hit the market, as they always have had problems with goaltending. This deal gives Toronto some breathing room to let the goaltenders battle with each other for that number one spot. The Leafs also gave Matt Murray a 1-year deal as a 3rd stringer to have in the stands, in case something were to happen with Woll or Stolarz.

The other deal, is another cup winner from Florida, Oliver Ekman-Larsson. OEL signed a 4 year, $3.5MAAV deal with the Maple Leafs, giving the Buds some depth on the blueline. OEL had some rough years during his last few years in Arizona, but found his footing again in his time with the Panthers last year. He was really solid for them in the postseason, giving his all for the club. Last season, Larsson potted 9 goals and 23 assists last year in the regular season, logging a +10 rating in the process.

OEL is a veteran defender who gives the locker room another veteran voice, and fills gaps in defensively for the Leafs. He will also likely quarterback the second powerplay unit, and can fill in on the top unit if Rielly goes down. Compared to a lot of the other deals signed (Edmundson 4×3.8M), it isn’t all that bad in hindsight. Ekman-Larsson has 144 goals and 471 points in 982 career NHL games with the Arizona Coyotes, Canucks and Panthers.

The Leafs also signed depth defender Jani Hakanpaa to a 2-year $1.5M AAV deal. This gives the Leafs depth on the blueline, something they routinely need throughout the season.