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Toronto Maple Leafs 2018-19 Player Grades

By James Tanner

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 07: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs reacts to the crowd after the Leafs scored against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on October 7, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 07: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs reacts to the crowd after the Leafs scored against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on October 7, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – APRIL 11: Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Garret Sparks (40) makes a save in warm up before Game 1 of the First Round between the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs on April 11, 2019, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 11: Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Garret Sparks (40) makes a save in warm up before Game 1 of the First Round between the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs on April 11, 2019, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Garret Sparks by Wilbert Timmermans

Garret Sparks gets a C-.

Defining the season of Garret Sparks with a grade is a difficult thing to do. Cracking the Toronto Maple Leafs roster after a stellar season in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies that resulted in winning the Calder Cup, is a tough thing to do.

However, the spot Sparks took over was from none other than Curtis McElhinney, arguably the best backup goaltender of the 2017 – 2018 season. Whether it was the pressure of becoming a NHL goalie, filling in the spot of McElhinney or the inconsistency of playing time, Sparks had a tough time adjusting to his role.

. G. Toronto Maple Leafs. GARRET SPARKS. C-

Ending the season with 20 games played, he had a save percentage of 0,902% and an goals against average of 3,05 (per HockeyDB). Numbers that need improving, especially compared to McElhinney’s save percentage of 0,934% and 2,14 goals against average.

Sparks performances on the ice were as inconsistent as they could come, showing great athleticism with great saves and letting in easy shots in the same game. Perhaps Sparks his season is best defined that for the playoffs Mike Babcock preferred Michael Hutchinson as backup goaltender for the playoffs which led me to give Sparks a C-

Next. 4 Reasons Why the Leafs Won't Trade William Nylander. dark

Despite this poor rating, I do believe there is still potential for Sparks to redeem himself next season. He’ll probably never be a starter anywhere, but could become a solid second like McElhinney.

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