Toronto Maple Leafs Invite Cal Heeter to Training Camp on a Professional Tryout

This week, the rookie Toronto Maple Leafs dropped their tournament game against the baby Senators 6-2. Toronto Marlies would-be starter, Christopher Gibson, surrendered all six goals in the loss.

Meh, just the Rookie Tournament, right? William Nylander wasn’t even playing. No big deal.

Unless you’re Gibson.

His performance seems to have led the Toronto Maple Leafs to seek out other goaltending options. At the very least, Gibson’s performance didn’t stop the Leafs from looking around.

As per Lance Hornby:

TSN reports ex-Flyer goalie Cal Heeter skated with regular Leafs back in Toronto today. They might look for a vet with Drew MacIntyre gone. — Lance Hornby (@sunhornby) September 15, 2014

Cal Heeter – Who is he and can he help the Toronto Maple Leafs?

Heeter graduated from Ohio State University where he posted middling stats. During the past two seasons, Heeter has played in the Philadelphia Flyers’ farm system, posting GAAs around 3.00 and SV%s around .900.

Feeling inspired yet?

At 25 years old, and at presumably little cost if signed, inviting Heeter to camp doesn’t hurt the Leafs much. But, with little statistical success in the minor leagues, and only one NHL game to his credit, Heeter seems unlikely to make a difference in the NHL.

Apr 13, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goalie Cal Heeter (33) makes a save against Carolina Hurricanes left wing Jeff Skinner (53) during the shootout at Wells Fargo Center. The Hurricanes won 6-5 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

So… Why?

Good question. Especially in light of Garret Sparks’ great turn as Leafs starter at the rookie tournament. So, why would the Toronto Maple Leafs spend time on a low-ceiling, non-prospect goalie?

Only one answer seems possible. Colton Orr and Frazer McLaren are about to be waived and Heeter will be kept on the bench as the Leafs’ most capable combatant.

Enjoy the video:

What do you think, Leafs fans? Is Cal Heeter another low-cost, can’t-hurt professional tryout for the Toronto Maple Leafs?

Or, is it time for the Leafs to keep the path clear for their own prospects?