Sparks' shutouts in 1st NHL game & last AHL game

[MR4]

There is no way McBackup isn't traded and Sparks isn't given the inside track over Pickard for the backup spot.

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[Al14]

Sparks will not just be handed an NHL gig. He has to earn it at the NHL level. Just saying.

 

[Menzinger]

Sparks will not just be handed an NHL gig. He has to earn it at the NHL level. Just saying.

Though one could say his stellar play all season and into the playoffs is part of that earning process. Next step is to have a good camp, though I suspect the Leafs may make move a goalie this summer

 

[A1LeafNation]

Put the three of them in camp and let the best goalie win.

 

[MR4]

Put the three of them in camp and let the best goalie win.

You most definitely don't keep McBackup, you sell high on him now at the draft/offseason so you aren't left having 4 goaltenders in the NHL getting less value from trading them as teams know you can't keep them all. At least with only Sparks & Pickard here, it's manageable to keep 3 goalies on an NHL roster so that you're not too forced into trading the loser of the backup spot race for 0 value

Sparks will not just be handed an NHL gig. He has to earn it at the NHL level. Just saying.

Did I say hand it to him? No, said inside track, which you do for all prospects you want playing in NHL that season so that even if another player plays at not a better level but equal level, the favoured prospect is given the NHL spot considering his pedigree

 

[bonjovi0308]

Is there any advanced stats for goalies? Should be....

 

[Havoc]

This series would have been over in 4 game sweep for Marlies if McBackup played. Don't jump the gun on Sparks.

 

[Kamiccolo]

Honestly after watching the last two games, I do not think Sparks is anything special. He will get eaten alive as a golaie in the NHL, and at best you are looking at a Reimer type player, but realistically you are getting a average to below average backup.

 

[Razz]

Sparks will not just be handed an NHL gig. He has to earn it at the NHL level. Just saying.

He just earned his NHL shot.

 

[Brobust]

Put the three of them in camp and let the best goalie win.

You may not like the results if it's McBackup.

I say trade McBackup and sign a good AHL goalie. Let Sparks and Pickard fight it out for the leafs backup role.

 

[Pyrophorus]

Sparks will have to pass waivers next season.

 

[King Mapes]

He just earned his NHL shot.

"He has to earn it at the NHL level".

 

[LeafsNation75]

"He has to earn it at the NHL level".

As long as Babcock is coaching nothing will be given to Sparks based on tonight.

 

[BorntoLose]

Wonder if Sparks may end up being trade bait tbh

 

[Duke Silver]

Sparks was very up-and-down these playoffs. Ended with a 0.915 sv%.

 

[BM14]

I'd easily trade him for a second /third rounder if the opportunity presented itself.

 

[Razz]

"He has to earn it at the NHL level".

I'll repeat, he has earned his NHL shot.

 

[Razz]

As long as Babcock is coaching nothing will be given to Sparks based on tonight.

He just won the Calder Cup for the organization FFS and posted a .936 in the regular season. Oh and by the way he was Dubas' goalie. Are you mad?

 

[LeafsNation75]

He just won the Calder Cup for the organization FFS and posted a .936 in the regular season. Oh and by the way he was Dubas' goalie. Are you mad?

That's all very good for Sparks and I hope it translate to him being in the NHL full time. However it's still a different game at the NHL level compared to the AHL.

If it was that easy wouldn't Gauthier be up full time and not with the Marlies?

 

[Zizzzzy]

Wonder if Sparks may end up being trade bait tbh

Dubas almost looked guilty when he hugged him on the ice last night... kinda like "Great season!.. Nice speech about Toronto....but I am trying to trade you...Sorry"

 

[Spirit of 67]

I thought it was 6 - 1 last night.

 

[Mickey Marner]

I'd easily trade him for a second /third rounder if the opportunity presented itself.

Agreed. Someone would have to be an awfully big sucker to give up a second for a worse goalie than you can find on July 1 though.

 

[7even]

If it was that easy wouldn't Gauthier be up full time and not with the Marlies?

I don't get the comparison. Sparks was the best player at his position in the entire league while Gauthier was a bit player.

 

[ACC1224]

I doubt he is done with the AHL.

 

[Buds17]

Sparks will have to pass waivers next season.

Made it through waivers going into this season, but he'd obviously be coming off a much bigger performance this time around. Waivers can definitely play a big part in how the backup situation is set to be approached, with all of the candidates eligible for them. Will be interesting.