Poor Mac. He doesn't deserve to lost the job.A little late but did anyone else catch William Nylander's tweet last night? It read "Coming soon... (pen/paper emoji)". It was instantly deleted of course. Dubas was also on Prime Time Sports today saying "Their camp has been focused on a long-term deal and ours as well. I think a bridge deal for both of us would be the sub-optimal solution to this. We continue to work primarily on long term deals." Between Nylander's deleted tweet and Dubas' comments, it makes me believe they are extremely close to reaching an agreement and are likely just ironing out the details. I'd expect an announcement by the weekend to be honest.
Now the more pressing issue, the backup goaltending situation. What is everyone's best guess as to which of the two is placed on waivers and who stays up? Who do you guys prefer? I have a feeling this could be the first rift between Dubas and Babcock. I think Dubas prefers Sparks while Babcock wants the veteran McElhinney, Dubas will eventually win this battle and rightfully so. Bob McKenzie was on the TSN panel last night and said something along the lines of: "Dubas isn't going to waive the 25 year old AHL goaltender of the year and Calder Cup champion who they have developed within the system because of 3-4 bad periods in the preseason." And he is 100/% correct. McElhinney has been fantastic for the Leafs and I appreciate everything he has done but let's face it, he is easily replaceable. Sparks is home grown and still an unknown. We all know goalies are unpredictable and late bloomers, we could have a gem on our hands. He cannot be wasted by being placed on waivers, he will surely get claimed. McElhinney will certainly clear waivers and if Sparks falters as a backup during the regular season, then they can make the switch but it would be a very foolish move to risk losing Sparks after a few bad preseason periods of play. Dubas is also on record multiple times saying they won't be carrying three goalies to start the season. An interesting week ahead for Leafs Nation for sure.
But whats best for the club long term? Mac is a UFA at seasons end.