Here's why Garret Sparks won't be with the Maple Leafs for the next ten days

BarDown Staff

Leafs give Sparks 10-day sabbatical; Hutchinson surprised by call-up

Friday’s skate was a bizarre one for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

With the team’s season winding down, the team is getting its last few practices in before the Playoffs kick off on April 10^th. But there was a noticeable member missing and the media was quick to realize it. Not only was backup goaltender Garret Sparks absent, his locker was also removed and his equipment was nowhere to be found. No one seemed to know what was going on at first but as it turns out, Sparks is taking time away from the team to work with Leafs and Marlies coaches to “get his game” and “confidence” back.

Michael Hutchinson will serve as Toronto’s backup goalie.

A post shared by TSN (@tsn_official) on Apr 5, 2019 at 10:27am PDT

Sparks’ struggles have been no secret, allowing 14 goals in his last four games to go along with a dreadful .888 save percentage (and 1-3 record over that stretch). Head coach Mike Babcock doesn’t appear to be overly concerned, however, and is advising everyone to not get ahead of themselves. He was quick to remind hockey fans that Sparks was the key piece in the Marlies Calder Cup run just a season ago and confirmed that the organization still believes in him.

Mike Babcock cautions reading too much into Garret Sparks' hiatus: "Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, let’s go through the process here. He won a Calder Cup for the organization last year, it’s important we treat him right and help him get his game to the level he should be at"
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) April 5, 2019

Mike Babcock on why decision on Sparks didn't come sooner: "We believe in Sparky, so we went back to the well a number of times...we chose to do everything we could to help get his game where it needed to be, and now the team is way more important than any individual."
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) April 5, 2019

Things nearly took a dramatic turn for the worst on the ice when starter Frederik Andersen took a William Nylander shot to the head. He was forced to take some time out of his crease but luckily it was just a stinger and he was able to return to action. The team called up third-string Michael Hutchinson in wake of the Sparks news, who would have to step in if Andersen were to miss any time.

Looks like Andersen took the puck high. Stretching his neck out now with Geller, but hasn't retired to the dressing room yet.
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) April 5, 2019

Appears it was just a stinger for Frederik Andersen. Gave a nod to the trainers as he skated back into the practice fray. Stepping into the net to take shots. All seems to be well, but we'll inquire after.

Carry on. https://t.co/HRUHk7kRgs
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) April 5, 2019

Garret Sparks’ stall in the #Leafs practice facility dressing room is gone. Gear is gone. Michael Hutchinson set up next to Andersen now.

The plot thickens.
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) April 5, 2019

With the playoffs less than a week away, the Leafs are hoping their backup will find his confidence for a potential playoff run. They’re set to face the Boston Bruins as the number three seed in the Atlantic Division.

(H/T Kristen Shilton)