Toronto Maple Leafs: Rookie Camp Update – Antoine Bibeau Spectacular in Shutout Win – Video

By the final game of their rookie tournament, many Toronto Maple Leafs prospects had already made clear impressions.

Garret Sparks sparkled in his debut against the Chicago Blackhawks rookies.

William Nylander showed enough that Leafs management is saving him for the NHL camp.

So today, Sparks played backup as Nylander, David Broll, Tyler Biggs, and Tom Nilsson were scratched. All of these Leafs prospects have done enough to move on to the Toronto Marlies this season.

Christopher Gibson was a scratch as well, probably because he is the most likely goaltender to be heading to the ECHL this season, especially with Cal Heeter now at the Leafs camp.

So, what can the Toronto Maple Leafs take away from the final rookie camp game? First, take a look for yourself at the Game in Six video here:

Maybe you noticed the highlight of the game. Let’s take a second look.

Holy Antoine Bibeau!

It wasn’t just this save, though. Antoine Bibeau stood on his head for the Toronto Maple Leafs rookies throughout the game, posting a 25-shot shutout to close the rookie tourney. Not shabby.

I admit that I was pretty critical of Bibeau during the summer. But, after that save and the shutout, I’m prepared to convert. I’m turning into a Bibeauliever.

And I’m not alone. Damien Cox touted Bibeau’s rising status at the Memorial Cup too:

Memorial Cup: Antoine Bibeau surges from late draft pick to Maple Leafs’ hottest prospect: Cox http://t.co/20ujW1rrf1 — Damien Cox (@DamoSpin) May 21, 2014

Apr 13, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goalie Cal Heeter (33) reacts after Carolina Hurricanes center Manny Malhotra (not pictured) scores a goal during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Although former Philadelphia Flyers farmhand Cal Heeter appears to be in the mix at the Toronto Maple Leafs training camp, Antoine Bibeau’s recent play will force the Marlies to consider making him the AHL starter.

Other Takeaways from the Tournament

Brett Findlay, one of Kyle Dubas’ first signings as Leafs assistant GM, played a strong tournament. He had an assist in game one, a beauty spin-o-rama goal in game two, and another goal today. After playing for Dubas in Sault Ste. Marie, Findlay is poised to graduate to the AHL after spending the last three years in the ECHL. His progress will be interesting to watch.

Tyler Biggs, a former first round pick, was likely a little old to be playing in this tournament. He didn’t embarrass himself but didn’t set the world ablaze either. His chances of ever making the NHL have likely dimmed for good.

Mar 6, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment mascots Toronto Marlies Duke (left) and Toronto Maple Leafs Carlton (center) and Toronto Raptors Stripes (right) pose during the Players Gala at Real Sports Bar & Grill. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

What do you think, Leafs fans? Should the Toronto Maple Leafs be ready to put their faith in Antoine Bibeau as the Marlies starting goalie?