Confirmed with Link: Leafs re-sign Sparks to a 1 year 750k contract

[supermann_98]

He deserves less.

He deserves 250k at most, and yes I realize that’s 400k less than the league minimum

 

[Ziggdiezan]

Leafs were always going to sign a cheap backup for the cap crunch next year

 

[TheDoldrums]

I would expect the Leafs with their resources to be able to identify a better backup than Sparks. Sparks hasn't been good as a backup, take a flyer on someone else imo. Don't force it just cos you made the mistake once going with him and are now trying to prove 'no he's actually good'.

The problem is the backup also has to be really cheap. So the combination of being proven better than Sparks while still being cheap would seem difficult to find, but I'm sure they'll try.

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

He still had RFA rights and some control.

He's a UFA after next season, so he'll have less of a leash considering Hutchinson is around.

But Hutch is a UFA july 1 he's not offically around

 

[TheShape]

He can still be outplayed in training camp next year by a better goalie so, its not a big deal.

He was outplayed this year and given the job.

 

[nuck]

Leafs need the cheapest backup possible so this is fine. Mac would have probably asked for 1m plus

$2M plus. He is McStarter now and will be looking for a two year deal.

 

[justafan22]

Yeah, I'm just assuming that Hutchinson is not coming back and a backup is brought in. We should strive for better than what Sparks has provided. If we can't find that, then so be it. Sparks isn't as horrible as a lot of people make it.

Yeah I agree, it's the problem that for 750k, good luck finding a significantly better goalie

 

[Loosie]

Dubas loves the fact that choosing Sparks over McBackup cost this team home ice advantage. Not a good sign when a GM can't admit his mistakes.

Wait...Playoffs start today?

 

[The Podium]

Of course it did. Instead of cruising into the playoffs comfortably in second place, now they're forced to grind it out for home ice advantage.

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In all 5 of Sparks regulation losses the Leafs scored 1 GF or fewer and was the 2nd half of a back to back with week long breaks between games. Thats a recipe for a loss for any goalie.

When the Leafs score 2 or more goals, Sparks is 7-0-1

 

[nuck]

They need to have a goalie to expose for the X draft. If he is still an RFA next year he fills that slot and it doesn't mean they have any intention of not trying to upgrade.

 

[DarkKnight]

Fine. Gives the player confidence this season and really it's meaningless as it relates to next year.

 

[Loosie]

Of course it did. Instead of cruising into the playoffs comfortably in second place, now they're forced to grind it out for home ice advantage.

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Ummm...McElhinney is Carolina's starter. He would be playing about the same amount of games as Sparks. You cannot count on those extra 10 wins as ours.

 

[Loosie]

Just exchange 'Twitter' for 'HF Boards'

 

[Pi]

Dubas loves the fact that choosing Sparks over McBackup cost this team home ice advantage. Not a good sign when a GM can't admit his mistakes.

Umm Sparks is 7-5-1. He has either had a lot of goal support in his start or none.

I don’t like the way he plays but he hasn’t cost us anything. 7-5-1 playing back to back games is good.

Plus, he’s signed under 900K so his entire cap hit can vanish anytime and we will definitely have competition for the job.

 

[Dayjobdave]

Leafs sign existing backup to a cap-hit so low that if he's in the minors, there is no hit at all. Team can only win, fans can only benefit.

Forum erupts in outrage.

 

[Xanner]

He was outplayed this year and given the job.

Next season will be different, if he still shaky and another goalie outplays him who also makes similar money, then i can't see how the leafs can justify keeping him over someone better, this year the excuse was that he was younger and just won a calder cup, no excuses next season.

At least thats what i'm hoping...

 

[mcleex]

This is the stupidest extension I've seen in my life

 

[Daisy Jane]

whatever.

 

[Daisy Jane]

Just exchange 'Twitter' for 'HF Boards'

so basically, because the Leafs have a really good team - no one can have critical discussions or have things they don't like - or you know, discuss a contract in someone's contract thread? it just has to be 'it's fine, because we have a good team?"

 

[TorontoTrades]

Dubas loves the fact that choosing Sparks over McBackup cost this team home ice advantage. Not a good sign when a GM can't admit his mistakes.

1 point back with the tie breaker. With 16 games left (Bos 17)

Ya definitely no chance to get home ice...

 

[DavePoulin4PM]

Sparks should be cleaning toilets somewhere. Wow.

 

[ryno23]

Of course it did. Instead of cruising into the playoffs comfortably in second place, now they're forced to grind it out for home ice advantage.

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So with McBackup in net we win 2-3 more games so Sparks should have a 9-3 record instead of 7-5? Trust me Sparks shouldn't be on this team and this contract is simply securing a backup at league minimum and have the ability to bury it in minors if they find a better option come next season.

The savings on McBackup vs Sparks will help with absorbing the overages bonsues this year and save cap room for next year.

 

[TMLeafer]

Meh, good insurance for the team, and for the player. Easily waived if required.

 

[Nizdizzle]

In all 5 of Sparks regulation losses the Leafs scored 1 GF and was the 2nd half of a back to back with week long breaks between games. Thats a recipe for a loss for any goalie.

When the Leafs score 2 or more goals, Sparks is 7-0-1

Can't really ask for more than that from a backup.

 

[Loosie]

Of course it did. Instead of cruising into the playoffs comfortably in second place, now they're forced to grind it out for home ice advantage.

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I also submit to you our January record of 4-6-0. THAT'S why we're 'forced to grind it out for home ice advantage' (Psstt...Sparks played one game in January, and we lost 3-1 to Florida, where he only allowed 2 goals)