Breaking: Another shocking twist in Toronto's goaltending situation as Sparks returns!

A few days ahead of the postseason, the Toronto Maple Leafs raised a lot of questions when they recalled goaltender Michael Hutchinson from the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies and removed Garret Sparks' locker from the dressing room. 

It was later revealed by head coach Mike Babcock that Sparks would be spending time with the goalie coaching staff in order to get his confidence back, while Hutchinson would become the backup goalie for Frederik Andersen until further notice. 

The notice might be coming sooner than anyone could have expected as TSN's Mark Masters and Kristen Shilton revealed this morning that Sparks was on the ice for team practice today while Hutchinson was away for personal reasons. 

The Maple Leafs' first game of their first round series against the Boston Bruins will take place tomorrow. For now, there are no details on which backup goalie will be on the bench at the TD Garden to support Andersen. 

This is yet another twist in this bizarre goaltending situation in Toronto. 

Hutchinson was acquired by the Leafs from the Florida Panthers last December in return for a fifth-round pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. He played in five games for Toronto right after, as both Andersen and Sparks were sidelined with injuries. After posting a 2-3-0 record with a .914 save percentage, Hutchinson was sent down to the Marlies, where he’s gone 14-4-1 with a .914 save percentage since.

The second half of Sparks’ first full NHL season hasn't been all that great. Since Dec. 28, Sparks has taken part in 12 games, posting a 3-8-0 record with an .898 save percentage. 

To be continued...