The Toronto Maple Leafs have re-signed restricted free agent goalie Garret Sparks to a one-year, two-way contract, according to the team.
The Maple Leafs have signed Garret Sparks to a one-year, two-way deal. #TMLtalk
MORE: https://t.co/r7Dtcjny5Rpic.twitter.com/j0kFcm5APo
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 15, 2016
The deal will pay Sparks $575,000 in the NHL and $100,000 in the AHL with a guaranteed salary of $150,000.
Sparks, 23, appeared in 17 games last season with the Maple Leafs, posting a 6-9-2 record with a 3.02 goals against average and .893 save percentage. In 21 AHL games with the Toronto Marlies, he logged a 2.33 goals against average and .928 save percentage. He was named the AHL goaltender of the month in November and the AHL player of the week for the week of November 8.
He was drafted by the Leafs with the 190th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
What the Garret Sparks Signing Means for the Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs have overhauled their goaltending this offseason with the acquisition of Frederik Andersen and trade of Jonathan Bernier.
http://gty.im/495363146
Head coach Mike Babcock has been very vocal about the team’s need for an experienced backup, and unfortunately for Sparks, he may not be the guy who will fill that role.
After signing this two-way deal, Garret Sparks will likely serve as the club’s third goalie and AHL starter. The focus now from the Maple Leafs will likely be to find a good backup for Andersen.