Fraser Minten reacts to the unexpected opportunity to make the Leafs
The Leafs were not expecting Fraser Minten to come into camp and perform the way he has. They were not expecting him to be battling for a roster spot that they don't really have, but with two pre-season games left, and Minten expected to play tonight against Detroit, he may force the Leafs to make a move they didn't expect to make - and it's a great problem to have.
The 2022 second-round pick is on the verge of being in the Leafs' opening night roster against Montreal next week. When asked how he felt about having an opportunity tonight to make a statement, Minten said, "I don't really feel any pressure, it's just an amazing opportunity, to me. I don't feel like I can lose out there tonight no matter how it goes."
Sheldon Keefe admitted that he will be playing Minten a lot tonight to see how he can handle the workload and how he fairs in different situations. His business-like attitude towards playing is something that Keefe and the rest of the coaching staff has liked and it's something he has prioritized because he believes that it is what it takes to make it in the NHL.
"I think the way I play is smart hockey and I think in the NHL it's a big focus," Minten said. "It's a business when you win games, the way I play is built for pro so I think that's helped me."
Minten was asked what his goal was at the beginning of training camp, to which he said was to dominate in the WHL and make Team Canada for the World Juniors, so if he's on the cusp of making the NHL as a 19-year-old, it's safe to say that he has already exceeded expectations.
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