This Week in the World of Toronto Sports: September 14th, 2014

This Week in the World of Toronto Sports: September 14th, 2014 by William Wilson

Toronto Maple Leafs Rookie Tournament: Garret Sparks Strong in Win, William Nylander Displays All-Around Game

In their first game of the tournament, the Toronto Maple Leafs rookies triumphed over the Chicago Blackhawks rooks. The final score was 4-2. Check the Game in Six here:

Highlights from Saturday’s rookie tournament win over Chicago: http://t.co/P0GgRRQ7XN #Leafs v #Sens 7p Rogers TV — Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) September 14, 2014

But, the scores in these games hardly matter. For Leafs management and fans, it’s more important to note which players shine and which disappoint. Last night, two young Leafs made a strong impression.

Garret Sparks, Toronto Marlies Starter-to-Be

Goalie Garret Sparks eager to show Leafs what he can do (via @torontostar) http://t.co/agS8j12bff — Kevin McGran (@kevin_mcgran) September 14, 2014

As Kevin McGran noted, Sparks earned an opportunity to start the first game of the rookie tourney.

He didn’t waste that chance.

With 32 saves on 34 shots, Sparks announced himself as a candidate to grab the vacant starter’s job for the Toronto Marlies. A plum job for the 21 year-old. That position would make him the first call for the Toronto Maple Leafs if Jonathan Bernier or James Reimer succumb to injury. With Bernier’s injury last season and Reimer’s “37 starts or less, thanks” track record, Sparks is suddenly in the mix for NHL playing time.

Now the ball is in the court of Christopher Gibson and Antoine Bibeau. Both will get their chances to lay claim to the Marlies starting gig.

For his part, Sparks has done all he could to win the job. If his play remains at this level, Reimer may find himself backing up for another team before the end of this year.

William Nylander, all the skill and bravado Leafs fans were promised

#TMLTalk Photo: @snizzbone speaks to the media following his first rookie tourney game. pic.twitter.com/MypD4OinOC — Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) September 14, 2014

While Sparks was the shining Toronto Maple Leafs star, William Nylander didn’t disappoint fans. With a breakaway, a drawn penalty, an assist, and bursts of speed that will play in the NHL, Nylander staked his claim as the top Leafs prospect.

Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; William Nylander poses for a photo with team officials after being selected as the number eight overall pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Now, the tourney becomes more about waiting for his chance to try his slick moves and confidence against NHL defensemen later this month.

For Mike Santorelli, Daniel Winnik, David Booth, Petri Kontiola, and the holdover Leafs battling for a spot in the lineup, Nylander’s quick ascent definitely poses a problem. Though, it’s David Clarkson‘s job on the second line that Nylander is really after…

The Leafs rookies play again Sunday night at 7 PM against the Ottawa Senators prospects.