Maple Leafs' Garret Sparks: Expected to start Thursday's preseason game

Sparks is expected to get the start in goal in Thursday's preseason matchup with Buffalo, Paul Hendrick of Leafs TV reports.

Analysis:

Sparks appears poised to begin the season as AHL Toronto's primary netminder with Jhonas Enroth serving as Frederik Andersen's backup, so Thursday's contest will give the 23-year-old netminder an opportunity to see some action at the NHL level before being sent to the minors. The 2011 seventh-round pick struggled in limited action with the big club last season, compiling a 6-9-1 record with an ugly 3.00 GAA and .893 save percentage over 17 appearances, and stands to benefit from a full season in the AHL.