Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka provided positive health updates on three key players Thursday, confirming that captain Auston Matthews, defenceman Chris Tanev, and goaltender Anthony Stolarz are all on track to be fully ready for training camp.
Matthews Recovering from Knee Surgery
Matthews underwent knee surgery in March after sustaining a knee-on-knee hit from Anaheim Ducks defenceman Radko Gudas. Chayka reported that the recovery is proceeding as planned.
“All of the updates have been really positive in terms of physically,” Chayka said. “Anytime you go through something like that, it’s unfortunate. There’s also some upside when you go through a rehab process, and you get a little more finely attuned with your body. Maybe there’s an opportunity for him to come out of it even stronger, that would be my hope.”
Chayka added that Matthews remains engaged as captain, staying in touch with the organization and asking questions. “I think he’s having a good off-season, ready to come to camp,” he said.
Tanev and Stolarz Also Progressing Well
Tanev, who played only 11 games last season and none after Dec. 28, had core muscle surgery in early March. Chayka said the veteran defenceman is in good shape.
“He’s in a good spot,” Chayka said. “He has already been skating now for a few weeks, and we expect a full recovery and ready for training camp.”
Stolarz ended the season with a groin injury. Chayka confirmed the goaltender is fully recovered and in even better condition than at season’s end. “His health is good. We had one of our medical staff down with him recently, and he’s fully recovered, actually in even better shape than he was at the end of the season, and feeling good.”
Implications for the Leafs
The positive updates come after the Leafs traded goaltender Joseph Woll to the Philadelphia Flyers last week. Chayka’s confidence in Stolarz’s health likely factored into that decision. With Matthews, Tanev, and Stolarz all expected to be ready, Toronto’s core appears set for a strong start to the 2026-27 season.
