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Maple Leafs' Calvin Pickard: Signs one-year extension

Pickard figures to remain with AHL Toronto next season, where he posted a .918 save percentage -- only slightly better than his cumulative rate (.913) through 87 career NHL games. It will be nearly impossible for him to supplant Leafs starter Frederik Andersen, while backup Curtis McElhinney -- who posted an 11-5-1 record and .934 save percentage in 18 NHL contests -- is still on the books for another year. AHL Toronto's starting goaltender Garret Sparks, who was awarded the Aldege "Baz" Bastian Memorial Award for the AHL's most outstanding goaltender, could also give Pickard a run for his money, making him a player to avoid unless proven otherwise.

Maple Leafs' Calvin Pickard: Among AHL's best goalies

He's having an outstanding season, just like platoon-mate Garret Sparks, who sits first in GAA (1.78). Pickard is 19-8-0 with a strong .924 save percentage. The Leafs are spoiled by the quality and depth of their goaltending position.

Maple Leafs' Calvin Pickard: In goal Friday

After a sour season with the Avalanche in 2016-17, Pickard landed in the AHL with the Marlies to begin this season. He's compiled a respectable 2.20 GAA and .919 save percentage over 15 appearances at that level and will returns to the NHL for his season debut. Pickard's first NHL start of the season comes against his former club, a Colorado squad that has racked up 3.44 goals per game at home this season.

Maple Leafs' Calvin Pickard: Called up from AHL, expected to start Friday

We strongly recommend that you wait for official confirmation from the team that Pickard will be starting against his former employer, but it appears that will be the case since Frederik Andersen started Thursday night against the Coyotes and primary backup Curtis McElhinney is dealing with a lower-body injury. Pickard was selected by the Golden Knights in the expansion draft, but was ultimately waived without seeing game ice for the new club. He went 15-31-2 with a 2.98 GAA and .904 save percentage with the Avs last season, which was actually decent considering the team slugged through its worst campaign in franchise history in 2016-17.

Avalanche's Calvin Pickard: Stops 24 shots in Sunday's loss

Pickard ended the season with a 15-31-2 record, 2.98 GAA and .904 save percentage with two shutouts. He didn't finish strong, allowing at least three or more goals in nine of his final 10 outings.