Prospect Info: 2018/19 Marlies & Prospects Thread Part VI

[saltming]

We can see at training camp when they go up against eachother. He probably does not have as much of a leash as he did last year, but it was like every single thing that went wrong had something to do with Sparks whenever he was in net. Sure, I expected more and he needs to be better, but he also was blamed for a lot of things that had little to nothing to do with him (there were countless defensive mistakes and times where he was left out to dry and he got blamed for not making a save even top NHL goalies would be lucky to make).

I just think the treatment Sparks' received by fans was completely unwarranted. He was unfairly treated as a scapegoat for a lot of overarching problems for the Leafs, and I felt like there should have been at least one guy who gives him the credit he deserves, not just the criticism.

I agree there were many post that were too harsh on sparks, but that doesn't mean he didn't struggle in the net.
Personally I like to think I was fair in my comments. I have given him praise when he deserves it and never blamed him for every goal he let in. I have been consistent in my critique of him and that I have not seen any difference in his skill level from the tank year to last.

As for KK vs sparks at camp, yes time will tell and I have no idea who, or either will get the backup job.

 

[Kiwi]

I agree there were many post that were too harsh on sparks, but that doesn't mean he didn't struggle in the net.
Personally I like to think I was fair in my comments. I have given him praise when he deserves it and never blamed him for every goal he let in. I have been consistent in my critique of him and that I have not seen any difference in his skill level from the tank year to last.

As for KK vs sparks at camp, yes time will tell and I have no idea who, or either will get the backup job.

I'd back neither, I can't see Babcock trusting Sparks and I don't trust small sample sizes especially in regards to goaltenders which seems to be at work around here with regards to KK

 

[SeaOfBlue]

I agree there were many post that were too harsh on sparks, but that doesn't mean he didn't struggle in the net.
Personally I like to think I was fair in my comments. I have given him praise when he deserves it and never blamed him for every goal he let in. I have been consistent in my critique of him and that I have not seen any difference in his skill level from the tank year to last.

As for KK vs sparks at camp, yes time will tell and I have no idea who, or either will get the backup job.

I agree with everything you say, although he looked better since the tank year. He looked good in less than like 1/3 of his games in the tank year, although the team was really bad. This year, he look good in around half, and it would probably have been higher if not for the team in front of him.

I'm looking forward to the camp battle. It should be a good one. However who knows, maybe Dubas gets a pick for one of them and signs someone else instead.

 

[SeaOfBlue]

I'd back neither, I can't see Babcock trusting Sparks and I don't trust small sample sizes especially in regards to goaltenders which seems to be at work around here with regards to KK

I trust KK enough to be the #3 and Sparks' competitor, since he had more good stretches than bad (1.5 seasons of good play, 0.5 seasons of crap play which was at least partially due to injury), but I do not understand the whole reasoning of him suddenly being good because he did well in these playoffs. I like him because he has been good for many other times beyond just these playoffs.

 

[Leafs at Knight]

Scott had a rough first period there

 

[Kiwi]

I trust KK enough to be the #3 and Sparks' competitor, since he had more good stretches than bad (1.5 seasons of good play, 0.5 seasons of crap play which was at least partially due to injury), but I do not understand the whole reasoning of him suddenly being good because he did well in these playoffs. I like him because he has been good for many other times beyond just these playoffs.

I don't trust either of those guys, we need to bring in somebody capable of being a #2G as an insurance policy at least if those two **** the bed

 

[Mr Hockey]

I am thinking Sparks was mentally devasted/crushed/etc at the end of the season, I think he is done in this org, he needs a fresh start someplace else, I'm pretty sure that's what will happen.

 

[biotk]

KK will be completely destroyed in the same way Sparks was if he is the backup and simply plays the second of back-to-backs.

 

[saltming]

I'd back neither, I can't see Babcock trusting Sparks and I don't trust small sample sizes especially in regards to goaltenders which seems to be at work around here with regards to KK

100% wait and see with these 2. Personally hoping we bring in other options to slug it out for the backup role.

I agree with everything you say, although he looked better since the tank year. He looked good in less than like 1/3 of his games in the tank year, although the team was really bad. This year, he look good in around half, and it would probably have been higher if not for the team in front of him.

I'm looking forward to the camp battle. It should be a good one. However who knows, maybe Dubas gets a pick for one of them and signs someone else instead.

I'm sure what happened in the latter part of the season, but the whole sending him down when the playoffs started was really weird.
I'm hoping dubas brings in a vet backup like McE for the job. If one of our young goalies want the job they should have to take it from someone and not be gifted it.

 

[Kiwi]

100% wait and see with these 2. Personally hoping we bring in other options to slug it out for the backup role.

I'm sure what happened in the latter part of the season, but the whole sending him down when the playoffs started was really weird.
I'm hoping dubas brings in a vet backup like McE for the job. If one of our young goalies want the job they should have to take it from someone and not be gifted it.

They need to go into the off-season thinking neither Sparks or KK can take the job and plan accordingly, if one does step up that's great but you need to plan for the worst case scenario

Sparks getting sent down wasn't a good sign for his long term future with us, that suggests Babcock and management were in agreement he wasn't acceptable as our backup

Hard to come back and build trust from that position

 

[Bigmarycombo]

They need to go into the off-season thinking neither Sparks or KK can take the job and plan accordingly, if one does step up that's great but you need to plan for the worst case scenario

Sparks getting sent down wasn't a good sign for his long term future with us, that suggests Babcock and management were in agreement he wasn't acceptable as our backup

Hard to come back and build trust from that position

I don’t think sparks was sent down
He would have had to clear waivers
He was never put on waivers

In my opinion sparks is done in this organization
He can’t play the backup roll of the second of back to back games
He can’t stay sharp in that role and when he fails he is hard on himself and loses all confidence

 

[deletethis]

Just not seeing a lot of opportunities left for a soon to be 26 year old subpar NHL backup.

Justin Pogge has had a productive career in Europe.

 

[PanniniClaus]

I am thinking Sparks was mentally devasted/crushed/etc at the end of the season, I think he is done in this org, he needs a fresh start someplace else, I'm pretty sure that's what will happen.

I tend to agree.

 

[justafan22]

Bracco does not play defense eh

 

[ManosArriba]

Lindgren out, Hollowell back in.

 

[weems]

Gordeev just scored a sick goal.

 

[BertCorbeau]

Gordeev scores one against Scott in the Mem Cup.

2 on 1 goal, Scott didn't have a chance .. Nice quick shot in off the pass across.

 

[Knies iT]

As someone who doesn't watch the CHL much, i'm shocked at how good Gordeev looks. Never understood why scouts raved about him due to his poor production but his skating is way better than what I had thought. He's one of the best skaters on the ice which is crazy for his size.

Loving his D game too. Really active stick, almost impossible to beat one-on-one, and makes quick decisions with the puck. All good signs for the next level.

 

[Cor]

Gordeev will get an ELC.

Not sure about McGregor

 

[Magic Man]

Gordeev will get an ELC.

Not sure about McGregor

I think McGregor stands a better chance. But, it doesn't appear to be in the cards for either of them.

 

[Knies iT]

I think McGregor stands a better chance. But, it doesn't appear to be in the cards for either of them.

Based on what? Pretty sure its still hypothetically possible that Fedor is offered an ELC because he's still playing. Gordeev could end up a memorial cup champ and i'd give him an ELC for his size + skating combo alone.

 

[nuck]

Tough tournament for Scott and only 6g in 3 games for the offense. I don't believe a couple of flat games will affect him, but I am hoping that some good games carry over for Gordeev.

3 games

179min

93sog

80sv

13

4.364gaa

0.860sv%

0

3

0

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

 

[Magic Man]

Based on what? Pretty sure its still hypothetically possible that Fedor is offered an ELC because he's still playing. Gordeev could end up a memorial cup champ and i'd give him an ELC for his size + skating combo alone.

I think he follows in the footsteps of Middleton, Mattinen and Desrocher as big guys who were trimmed from the herd. Good prospects, but not ELC ready talent. Middleton got an AHL deal and Mattinen will probably get an AHL deal this summer after a great overage season. Desrocher went to a Canadian University. Gordeev on an ELC in the AHL for 3 full years doesn't seem worth the contract spot. I don't think he has NHL upside. They have until the 1st to sign him.

McGregor is the most productive forward from the unsigned crop of draft picks league wide this season, Gordeev isn't close. He also was prominent in the coaches poll, alternate captain for two years, captain this year and improved a great deal this season. I am more confident he will at least be a solid AHL contributer and maintain positive value to other NHL teams. He is a center and the Marlies only have Brooks and Engvall at center there with them potentially departing to the Leafs soon. He's better defensively than he is offensively. I think it makes more sense to sign him than not too. But, time is not on his side and he was released from his ATO.

 

[kthomasf]

I believe Mattinen is off to USport.
And to be fair to all of these picks, they were all very late, and honestly time will still tell.
For example, Middleton will likely not go to far, but he still just finished a decent rookie AHL season. And if you look at the immediate ten picks after him, he is easily the second best in terms of where he is at age and league wise, if making the NHL is the goal. So, as someone who was not happy with that pick, it is still not a high percentage pick area.
Gordeev is a different animal because of his skating. I would try and get him to sign with the Marlies first and save the ELC, but if rejects that, they should consider. Same with McGregor.

On the goalie situation, they should not rely on KK to be competition. However, I think the way Sparks was removed from the team does not reflect well. I would not be shocked to see him get dumped for a 7th rounder or something like that. KK and some veteran/Euro FA should compete.
The Leafs want to build depth down to the ECHL level. So with Woll and Scott turning pro, one with likely be the Growlers #1, and the other the Marlies platoon partner.
That leafs KK and an FA to fill backup/Marlies starter.

As an organization, the Leafs and Babcock also need to reevaluate back-up usage. Sparks was his best during that brief stretch he played a fair amount in November. Honestly, the big what if is his concussion when Andersen was hurt. If that doesn't happen maybe he gets on a roll playing 3-4 in a row.

 

[LeafsOHLRangers98]

Tough tournament for Scott and only 6g in 3 games for the offense. I don't believe a couple of flat games will affect him, but I am hoping that some good games carry over for Gordeev.

3 games

179min

93sog

80sv

13

4.364gaa

0.860sv%

0

3

0

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

Honestly Prince Albert looked gassed.

They had to knock off the 5th, 3rd, and 2nd best teams in the WHL in consecutive rounds including a game 7 in the finals.

Then they had to turn around and fly across the country in 2 and a half days and get right back to playing against teams they really couldn't keep that rush going against.