Toronto Maple Leafs opt to purge Garret Sparks from roster Globe_Sports
Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Michael Hutchinson looks up ice while playing against the Vancouver Canucks during second period NHL hockey action in Toronto on Jan. 5, 2019.The Toronto Maple Leafs have banished their backup goaltender to hockey purgatory on the eve of their final regular-season game.
Officially, Sparks will spend the next 10 days working with Leafs goaltender coach Steve Briere and Marlies goaltending consultant Jon Elkin. Because he was not on the Marlies’ roster at any point late in the season, Sparks is not eligible to play in the AHL playoffs. Carolina Hurricanes left wing Warren Foegele tries to control the puck in front of Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Garret Sparks during third period NHL hockey action in Toronto on April 2, 2019.Realistically, though, this is the end of the road for Sparks as a Maple Leaf. If he stays in the organization next season for the final year of his contract, it will most likely be with the Marlies.
Andersen made 66 starts last season and 66 in 2016-17. He was not at his best in last year’s seven-game playoff series loss to the Boston Bruins and fatigue was at least part of the reason. Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Michael Hutchinson makes a glove save against the Boston Bruins during third period NHL hockey action in Toronto on Jan.12, 2019.Babcock refused to say Sparks is finished as a Maple Leaf, but his opinion became clear as he talked about the situation. He said the team “gave him every opportunity. So we went back to the well a number of times. Then when we didn’t get it worked out or it didn’t get where it needed to [be], we made this decision.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Maple Leafs’ Garret Sparks: ‘This year isn’t over for me’ - Sportsnet.caToronto’s loss Tuesday to a Hurricanes team that needed the two points infinitely more than pretty much every Leaf — except, possibly, for Garret Sparks — will be the last scheduled start for Frederik Andersen’s understudy. And he certainly fumbled a couple of his lines.
Read more »
Maple Leafs' Garret Sparks looking to rediscover technique, confidence - Sportsnet.caToronto Maple Leafs backup Garret Sparks will be stepping away from games to rediscover his technique and confidence by working with goalie coaches Steve Briere and Jon Elkin on a daily basis, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman is reporting.
Read more »
Hurricanes manage a win with help from Leafs’ backup goalie Garret SparksThe Toronto netminder coughed up his third softie halfway through the third period to hand Carolina a 4-1 win
Read more »
McKenzie: Sparks is now the Leafs' No. 3 goaltenderTSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie joins Leafs Lunch to discuss Michael Hutchinson’s recall and how he outplayed Garret Sparks for the Maple Leafs backup job heading into the playoffs
Read more »
Sparks not on ice for Leafs practice - TSN.caToronto Maple Leafs goaltender Garret Sparks was not among the three netminders on ice for practice Friday morning, hours after the team recalled Michael Hutchinson.
Read more »
Leafs struggle to get back on track in loss to last-place Sens - TSN.caThe Maple Leafs wanted to get back on track Saturday against the Ottawa Senators, but instead dropped their second straight in a 4-2 decision, despite outplaying the Senators for much of the game. Garret Sparks got the call in net and ceded two goals on 12 shots, before goals by Auston Matthews and Connor Brown mounted a comeback in the third period that ultimately fell short. The Leafs are now 4-4-3 in their last 11 games, with only four remaining before the end of the regular season.
Read more »
Leafs G Sparks: 'I’ll be ready next year' - TSN.caToronto Maple Leafs goaltender Garret Sparks allowed three goals on 36 shots Tuesday against the Carolina Hurricanes in his final scheduled start of the regular season. Sparks described Justin Williams’ first-period goal, which went off his skate and in, as a 'tough bounce' and admitted he should've stopped Jordan Staal's third-period marker.
Read more »
Leafs left with no choice but to remove Sparks from lineup as playoffs loom - Sportsnet.caWhat it came down to, really, is the fact Garret Sparks couldn’t be trusted for mop-up duty in Round 1 should something happen to Frederik Andersen. Now the Leafs turn to Michael Hutchinson. (via reporterchris)
Read more »
Leafs give Sparks 10-day sabbatical; Hutchinson surprised by call-upWith Garret Sparks struggling between the pipes for Toronto, head coach Mike Babcock outlined the Leafs' plans to send him on a 10-day sabbatical to work with goalie coaches and 'get his game back'. With Michael Hutchinson recalled to back-up Frederik Andersen, Babcock talks about the goalie shuffle and reiterates the team's belief in Sparks, while Hutchinson discusses his surprising call-up.
Read more »
With Sparks continuing to struggle, is Hutchinson a call-up option for Toronto?
Read more »