Toronto Maple Leafs‘ 7th round pick in the 2011 draft (#170 overall) 3rd year goaltender Garret Sparks(31) spent most of his time in net last season on reassignment to Orlando Solar Bears, where he put up some decent numbers.
He had a 21-7-2-1 record with a 2.34 GAA, .936 SV% and 5 shutouts in 36 ECHL games.
The 6’2″ 200 lbs. net minder rebounded with an outstanding training camp and preseason making him a late cut to be sent down to affiliate Toronto Marlies.
He’s off to a blazing start splitting time in between the pipes with a rookie but seeing lots of action.
In 11 AHL games he has an 8-2-1 mark with a rock solid 1.98 GAA and .938 SV% and two shutouts, helping his team to the second best record in the league.
With a slumping parent club, his efforts are giving him the chance to prove his mettle at the highest level of hockey.
The 22-year old received his recall and NHL start.
He made 24 saves on equal number of shots for the 2-0 win and a first ever blanking of an opponent in a Maple Leafs‘ goaltending debut.
Signed through the end 2015/2016 he’s set to become a restricted free agent at the end of the season but will no doubt be upped for another year or two at the current pace he’s setting.
He also possesses the coolest pair of goalie pads out there.