Editor In Leaf
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Toronto Maple Leafs: Brian Elliot Is a Backup Option

By Andrew Boehmer

Apr 19, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames goalie Brian Elliot (1) warms up against the Anaheim Ducks in game four of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames goalie Brian Elliot (1) warms up against the Anaheim Ducks in game four of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Toronto Maple Leafs need a backup goalie.

That awkward moment when you realize the Toronto Maple Leafs are in need of a backup goalie more than anything else.

Yes, more than any other need right now because you literally can’t play a game without a backup.

Garret Sparks you say?

I say no.

I like Curtis McElhinney and I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.

I’m all for the Leafs re-signing him for another year or two, but probably just one.

However, it’s worth taking a look at the other options out there and there are other options.

Remember that we’re days away – Saturday, July 1, 2017 – from free agency day and Canada Day, so something will be addressed around then.

Before I get into the real thick of things, did anyone notice my pun in the opening sentence?

Kind of like a backup option, backup goalie?

No, okay.

Anyways, straight to it.

Brian Elliot

More from Editor In Leaf

Luke Fox of Sportsnet wrote a fantastic article yesterday, giving a preview for the Leafs before the free agency pandemonium begins.

I strongly encourage you to read it all, but if you don’t feel like it and are just interested in the Elliot thing, then what’s below is for you, so enjoy.

Here’s what Fox had to say.

"Determined to prove himself after losing the No. 1 job in Calgary to Mike Smith, Elliot is arguably the best UFA goalie out there. He’d have a much better chance at becoming a starter in Winnipeg or Philadelphia, but if he’s forced to resign himself to backup duty, the Newmarket, Ont., native would give the Leafs one of the NHL’s best tandems. Other backup options: Steve Mason, Darcy Kuemper, Chad Johnson, Mike Condon, Anders Nilsson."

I Agree and Here’s Why

I have to agree with Fox here and I’ll quickly break down why I think he’s a good option for the Leafs to investigate.

  1. He has something to prove, so a number one job is his top priority
  2. But, he would have a much better shot at landing a number two position right now
  3. That would give him 15-20 games and a chance to remake a name for himself
  4. He’s from Newmarket, Toronto was probably his team growing up
  5. With his addition, the Leafs would have a good shot at a deep playoff run
  6. Why wouldn’t he want to be a part of that (even for a year)?

Next: Top Five Free Agent Defenders

Now, to address the others that were listed, no to Mason, maybe to Kuemper, maybe to Johnson, yes to Condon and no to Nilsson.

There, short, like I said, so what do you all think?

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