Leafs Draft Goaltender Antoine Bibeau in 6th Round

Adding some depth at the goaltending position, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected P.E.I. Rocket netminder Antoine Bibeau with their sixth round pick, 172nd overall. 

With Garret Sparks set to turn pro next season, Bibeau could become the Leafs only goaltender in Junior.

Bibeau, born in 1994, was passed over his first time through the draft last year – his 4.46 GAA and .868 SB% in 29 games last season wasn’t the most encouraging stat line.

This season, Bibeau was one of the top backstops in the QMJHL, stealing the P.E.I. starter’s job from Dallas Stars prospect Maxim Lagace.

Amongst QMJHL goalies this past year, Bibeau finished 6th in Goals Against Average (2.81), 2nd in Save Percentage (.911), 5th in Wins (28) and 1st in Shutouts (5). 

A strong 2012-2013 season got the 6’2, 210lb Bibeau an invite to Team Canada’s U20 Goaltending camp a few weeks ago – he’ll be one of thirteen goaltenders battling for a spot on the 2013-2014 National Junior Team.

It’s not all good news though, as the always excellent Hockey Prospect 2013 NHL Draft Black Book points out, "Bibeau’s biggest weakness is his work ethic during a game… [he well] sometimes get lazy in his positioning [and] rely too much on his reflexes to make saves."

Bibeau will return to Prince Edward Island next season and suit up for the rebranded Charlottetown Islanders, looking to improve on a fantastic QMJHL sophomore season.