It was a calm and pleasant Tuesday evening in the hockey world. And then something strange and unusual happened……
.@SportChek Player Alert: @MapleLeafs acquire a fourth-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft and forward David Clarkson from Vegas in exchange for goaltender Garret Sparks.
Details >> https://t.co/u88YYDti7Y pic.twitter.com/hNEFtkqsIZ
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 23, 2019
The Leafs are apparently grabbing some extra LTIR room in exchange for eating up the 5.25 million for David Clarkson. But just as important, Garret Sparks is no longer part of the organization.
Nobody will have to tip toe around his situation during Camp, and for Garret he gets a fresh start in the desert.
So what does this mean and where does it leave us? No idea.
But on a Tuesday in late-July. It sure is some interesting hockey news.
My guess – GUESS – would be that this David Clarkson / Garret Sparks trade with #GoldenKnights is an indication Mitch Marner won’t sign until the day after cap compliance is required. #Leafs #NHL
— Dave McCarthy (@DaveAMcCarthy) July 23, 2019
Maybe the fog will clear in the next little bit to explain more….but as of right now, it is sure fun to guess.