The Journey: Anthony Stolarz
Zach Hopkins
2015-02-14
In this edition of The Journey we will take a look at the Flyers top goaltending prospect, Anthony Stolarz.
As the Philadelphia Flyers continue to make a push towards playoff positioning in the NHL's Eastern Conference, they have done so largely on the shoulders of goaltender Steve Mason. Unfortunately for the Flyers (and Mason), the netminder has failed to stay healthy this season and is currently sidelined for at least two weeks with a knee injury. Due to a lack of depth in the system as well as only having four goaltenders under contract, the Flyers were forced to recall the 21-year-old rookie as regular call-up Rob Zepp has been injured as well. Although he is not expected to see much playing time, Stolarz has somewhat underperformed with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the AHL and some critics have wondered whether the first-year pro was ready for this type of responsibility. Flyers General Manager Ron Hextall even proclaimed "Probably not" when asked if Stolarz was ready. Despite the growing skepticism, the New Jersey native is wearing an NHL sweater and backing up veteran Ray Emery during the most important stretch of the Flyers season. Let's take a deeper look at Stolarz and his journey to where he is now.
Dobber Prospect Rank: seventh ranked prospect in the Philadelphia Flyers system
Fantasy Outlook: B-
Pros: size, athleticism, butterfly goalie that cuts down angles, aggressive and challenging
Cons: experience, lateral movement
Anticipated NHL Arrival: two years (for full-time)