If McBack gets through waivers (and he is more likely to get through based on age and contract), he can then be brought up/down until he has played 9 games without needing to go through waivers again. That is about 1/3 to 1/2 the season the way he gets used. So he could still be the backup giving them control over Sparks and a chance to trade him when another team gets an injury or gets fed up with their back up. Asset control. Also, Sparks is likely a lot better than his couple of preseason games suggested.
- Dr. Leaf

Exactly. This doesnt mean sparks will be the long term b/u goalie.
Just a chance for the leafs to see if he really sucks or he can actually be a back up in the nhl.

I'm not sure the Press box D and 13th forward matter that much. For cap reasons alone, I'd have probably waived Gauthier and Marincin as well. They're not going to play.

For backup, I don't love the decision, but it sends . . . I guess a good message? It's sort of a mixed message. On one hand, it points out to the Marlies that if you play well there, you get a deserved promotion to the Leafs. But it also says that if you crap the bed in training camp, it doesn't matter.

I think it also says if you're over 30 and aren't Marleau, you should keep your bags packed.
- Monkeypunk

I’d say a larger body of work
On the Marlies should count for more
Than a short pre-season showing.

Solid enough fourth line guy to call up when we have the inevitable short injury. Decent
Insurance
- Dr. Leaf

I was just so underwhelmed with most of them...piss poor camp for those Marlie boys. Maybe they are a little sluggish after going deep into the playoffs and still hungover from the win. It happens.

right, I am just saying who to put on waivers and risk the chance of losing them...right now

I am no way convinced Sparks will be any NHL goalie, but you have to give him a chance imo
- senstroll

Correct, they have the opportunity, so use it.

On another note, are the Habs the first team to name a captain who wont play for the first half season of his captaincy?

I’d say a larger body of work
On the Marlies should count for more
Than a short pre-season showing.
- Dr. Leaf

Ae you talking Sparks?

What, is he just breathing hard right now?
- Ear Hole

Warm up.

On another note, are the Habs the first team to name a captain who wont play for the first half season of his captaincy?
- Archaic

the C actually stands for Crippled, so people don't hit him during practice

If McBack gets through waivers (and he is more likely to get through based on age and contract), he can then be brought up/down until he has played 9 games without needing to go through waivers again. That is about 1/3 to 1/2 the season the way he gets used. So he could still be the backup giving them control over Sparks and a chance to trade him when another team gets an injury or gets fed up with their back up. Asset control. Also, Sparks is likely a lot better than his couple of preseason games suggested.
- Dr. Leaf

If McElhinney or Pickard are not claimed, then I can see it working that way. It is also possible that both get claimed, then we may have a problem

once you clear waivers, I believe it's for the year.
- bobbyisno1

It isn’t. There was a detailed article on it recently, can’t remember the source. I believe after 10 games a vet like this would need waivers again. I could be wrong. I’ll look it up later when I have time.

Did Wilson get his suspension yet? Can't wait for the double digits he deserves to be cut down to roughly 3 games.

Gotta think that someone claims Pickard.
Not sure who has a need at back up at this point though.
- mlindsay

no one

the C actually stands for Crippled, so people don't hit him during practice
- TheMussel

Ae you talking Sparks?
- Woderwick

In general. All of the young guys. He does seem to be the poster boy for this at the
Moment.

Solid enough fourth line guy to call up when we have the inevitable short injury. Decent
Insurance
- Dr. Leaf

Seems like they have eleventeen guys to fill that spot if you just consider equal talent to JJ.

Did Wilson get his suspension yet? Can't wait for the double digits he deserves to be cut down to roughly 3 games.
- markmark

Bet he gets 10 games. Repeat offender.

I’d say a larger body of work
On the Marlies should count for more
Than a short pre-season showing.
- Dr. Leaf

Yeah, reasonably it does.

Johnsson sucked all camp, he's on the team.

I wonder if that last preseason start against Detroit sealed McElhinney's position to start the year, or if they had made up their minds already.

Regardless, let's hope Sparks is better than we've seen so far.

I remember when the Leafs would start Trevor Kidd and your spirits would just sink before the puck even dropped!

Did Wilson get his suspension yet? Can't wait for the double digits he deserves to be cut down to roughly 3 games.
- markmark

Suspended for the rest of pre-season!

Seems like they have eleventeen guys to fill that spot if you just consider equal talent to JJ.
- Woderwick

no one
- YuenglingJagr

Pickard could be a good option for Calgary. Not much after Mike Smith
McBackup could be a fit in L.A behind Quick.

Probably won't happen, but there are some teams that may look into them

Did Wilson get his suspension yet? Can't wait for the double digits he deserves to be cut down to roughly 3 games.
- markmark

What did he do?

In general. All of the young guys. He does seem to be the poster boy for this at the
Moment.
- Dr. Leaf

Sparks can't prove anymore in the AHL. Playing there won't help him much more if at all. Be better with the big club as a backup, practicing with NHL players.

If he's destined for the AHL - don't need him...NEXT!

What did he do?
- bobbyisno1

Greasy head shot.

Bet he gets 10 games. Repeat offender.
- Ear Hole

The Players Union needs to suspend him on their own. lol

Suspended for the rest of pre-season!
- AdamFrench

Sounds like Wilson...always "a little late"