Fraser Minten receives special gift from the organization after being sent back to his junior team
Heading into the off-season and then entering training camp, I don't think many - if any - people believed that Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Fraser Minten had a chance of cracking the opening night lineup. The former 2nd round pick from the 2022 NHL Entry Draft had a fantastic draft+1 season with the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL where he scored 31 goals and 67 points in just 57 games - an improvement of 11 goals and 12 points in 10 less games played.
The Maple Leafs took their sweet time when it came to cutting players from training camp but after he survived, it became very obvious that the 19-year-old not only had a chance to make his NHL debut on opening night, but how highly the organization viewed his development, progress, and overall game.
In 4 games with the big club, Minten went pointless, held an even rating, fired 3 shots, won 48.6% of his draws and averaged 11:26 TOI. The Maple Leafs sent him back to his junior club in Kamloops where he has recorded 6 points in 5 games, but they didn't send him back without a parting gift.
The Blazers' Twitter page posted a few pictures last night showing Minten with the gift that the Maple Leafs bestowed upon him. It was a box that contained his jersey from his first NHL game, as well as a card depicting his first game in the NHL as a member of the organization.
Still only 19 years of age, Minten will look to shatter his previous season-highs with Kamloops this year as he also has his eyes set towards making the Canadian junior team ahead of the tournament that is being held in Sweden this year.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 15 | 463 ANSWERS Fraser Minten receives special gift from the organization after being sent back to his junior team What did you think of this gesture from the Leafs to Fraser Minten? | ||
| Very thoughtful gift | 400 | 86.4 % |
| Honestly, it's cool, but not THAT cool | 63 | 13.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
