Toronto Maple Leafs: Players to Watch During Rookie Tournament
Apr 8, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer (34) against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. The Jackets won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Maple Leafs Goaltenders
Justin Nichols:
If there is a position where the Leafs have a bright future it is between the pipes, with prospects Antoine Bibeau and Garret Sparks playing well for the Marlies. Nichols signed a amateur tryout with the Marlies as insurance for the team late in the season. The Guelph Storm netminder will probably return to the OHL,with the Marlies set in goal for this season, while at camp he will probably meet with former Storm goalie Sparks, who will be in contention for the Marlies starting job.
Lucas Peressini:
The OHL goalie of the year and CHL goalie of the year finalist is looking for an opportunity to showcase his talents and the Leafs have given him a chance to do so. He has been invited to Leafs camp after going undrafted for the second year in a row, which now gives him the chance to prove his doubters wrong. The 20-year old has an outside chance to earn a spot potentially with the Orlando Solar Bears in the ECHL.
It will be one of the most interesting rookie tournaments in recent memory for the Leafs, as they have more high profiled prospects to show off unlike in years past. Again it will be hard to judge these players just off this tournament alone, but it will give players the best opportunity to stand out from the rest.