Toronto Maple Leafs: Who should backup Frederik Andersen next season?

Frederik Andersen has been a workhorse for the Toronto Maple Leafs, but who should be his backup next season?

When the Toronto Maple Leafs traded for Frederik Andersen, they were invested in him being the long-term starting goaltender.

If he stayed in Anaheim, he would have been a part of a tandem with John Gibson. In Toronto, there was no doubt he was going to be the starter and that was echoed by former GM Lou Lamoriello when they signed him.

"“I think he has to know that we feel that he is our No. 1 goaltender and that the support is there, the confidence is there and the commitment is there.”"

During his three seasons in Anaheim, he played 125 games (28/54/43) and in two seasons with the Leafs, he has already surpassed that number. He’s played 132 games in blue and white and reached a career-high 66 GP in both seasons.

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Andersen has been a workhorse for the Leafs and is a big reason for the team’s rapid success, with two straight trips to the postseason. However, playing 66 of 82 regular season games plus the playoffs takes a toll on the body.

His playoff performances have not been as good as his regular season play and fatigue could be a factor. Now, we all know he plays better with a bigger workload, but 66+ games with the number of shots he faces is not ideal.

That’s why it’s time for the Leafs to have a backup they can confidently play more often next season.

Luckily for them, the Leafs have a surplus in net at the moment. They have Curtis McElhinney and Garret Sparks signed for one more season as well as Calvin Pickard, who is an RFA.

Here’s what a case for each option the Leafs could consider.

Curtis McElhinney

McElhinney had a great season as the backup, so the job is really his to lose. In 18 games played, he had an 11-5 record, a .934 save percentage, a 2.12 GAA, and three shutouts.

The way he plays is unorthodox and makes your heart jump out of your chest at times, but he gets the job done. He’s a good sport and has completely accepted the fact that Andersen is the true blue starter. His team trusts him and has proven himself worthy of the backup position.

Calvin Pickard

During a season when it seemed like everyone was scrambling for a solid backup, Pickard came really cheap for the Leafs, who acquired him from the Vegas Golden Knights for Tobias Lindberg and a sixth round pick in 2018.

Pickard played 33 games with the Toronto Marlies and is 12th in the AHL in save percentage (2.31) and seventh in goals-against average (.918). His tandem with Sparks is the best in the AHL and a huge reason for their successful regular season.

Garret Sparks

Sparks was named the AHL goalie of the year with a season to remember. He led the league in save percentage (.936), goals-against average (1.79), and wins (31).

This carried over into the playoffs, where he led the Marlies to a first-round win over Utica. He’s been a great goalie in the AHL and his numbers are proof enough that he deserves a chance to play in the NHL next season.

All three goalies have strong portfolios and valid reasons to get a shot at the backup position. The question is, who will it be? Personally, I believe they should trade either McElhinney or Pickard, as their value is as high as it will ever be.

Sparks can start in the AHL again, but he will be the first to be called up if any goalie starts to slip up.

Next: Don't worry about Babcock and Matthews

What do you guys think? Should the Leafs trade McElhinney and/or Pickard? Do you think Sparks deserves an NHL chance?

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