Maple Leafs Goaltender Stolarz Hit in Throat During Warmups, Released from Hospital

OTTAWA — Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz was taken to a hospital for precautionary imaging after being struck in the throat by a puck during warmups on Saturday, March 21, 2026, before a game against the Ottawa Senators. He has since been released.

Incident Details

The incident occurred when a shot from teammate William Nylander hit Stolarz in the throat. Stolarz immediately left the ice and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. According to the Maple Leafs, the imaging was a precautionary measure. Nylander expressed concern following the game, stating he typically shoots at the glove and the puck deflected off to the left, hitting Stolarz in the neck. He confirmed he had been texting with Stolarz, who “seems to be OK.”NHL.com

Woll Steps In

With Stolarz unavailable, Joseph Woll started the game against the Senators, marking his first back-to-back start since March 2021 with the Toronto Marlies. Woll made 38 saves in a 5-2 loss. NHL.com Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube acknowledged the challenging situation for Woll, having to prepare quickly after playing the previous night.

Stolarz’s Season

Prior to the injury, Stolarz had been struggling this season, posting an .894 save percentage in 22 games. This is a decline from his .926 save percentage in 34 games during the 2024-25 season. NHL.com He had previously missed over two months earlier this season with an upper-body injury.

Team Performance and Concerns

The Maple Leafs lost to the Senators 5-2, being outshot 43-14 and out-chanced 44-18. The team has allowed 382 more shots on net than they have taken, second-worst in the league behind only the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks. HockeyPatrol.com

Other Injury News

Morgan Rielly did not play against the Senators due to a lower-body injury sustained in the previous game against the Carolina Hurricanes and is listed as day-to-day. HockeyPatrol.com