Sports Surgeon reveals what's really going on with Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz
Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz is set to miss 4-6 weeks following a procedure to clear debris in his knee.
As reported by Hockey Patrol, sports surgeon Jason Smith who was speaking on the Real Kyper and Bourne show,provided insight into the nature of Stolarz's injury and its long-term concerns.
According to Smith, the injury of Anthony Stolarz involved a «loose body,» which could be a piece of cartilage, bone or meniscus floating in the joint.
While the procedure itself is relatively minor, the key concern is how the debris formed.
"A loose body can be one of two things; a piece of cartilage or bone has come off and is floating around, or it's a piece of the meniscus; the shock-absorbing muscle between the two bones.
It's kind of a nothing-burger. A loose body, clear it out, couple weeks till you're skating again. Four weeks he's back, if they wanna drag it out; 6 weeks. That's not a big deal."
The 4-6 week recovery window isn't alarming on its own, but the underlying cause is worrisome.
Anthony Stolarz previously underwent MCL reconstruction, indicating that there is past knee damage and it could worsen the situation.
jason Smith noted,
Given that Anthony Stolarz has been in pro hockey for six years and is now 30, the wear and tear could indicate broader issues.
While the loose body itself may seem minor, Jason Smith questioned whether this is «the tip of the iceberg» for more severe damage and if Stolarz's knee condition continues to deteriorate, it could affect his durability on the long-term.
With Anthony Stolarz sidelined, the team must rely more heavily on their primary goalies and is potentially exposing them to fatigue since The excellent tandem will not be complete.
If the injury is more severe that it's tought, it may force Toronto to explore trade options or call-ups for goaltending reinforcements.
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DECEMBRE 18 | 124 ANSWERS Sports Surgeon reveals what's really going on with Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz Do you think the Toronto Maple Leafs will need to make a move if Anthony Stolarz has a worse injury than thought? | ||
| Yes | 62 | 50 % |
| No | 62 | 50 % |
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