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Fraser Minten responds to a bevy of important questions after his final pre-season game

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Mike Armenti
October 8, 2023 (11:32)

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Last night marked the 5th game of the pre-season for young Fraser Minten, who put forth an excellent effort throughout training camp with the Leafs. At the start of camp, nobody, including Minten himself, expected to be on the cusp of actually making the NHL as a 19-year-old, but he seems to be taking it all in stride and has a very good attitude about the whole thing.

Following last night's 4-3 loss to Detroit, Minten met with the media and displayed his excellent communication skills, acting the part of a veteran with a ton of experience in front of the mic. One of the first questions he faced was about his stamina and how this much hockey in such a short period of time has affected him.

"Yeah, a lot of hockey, obviously. A little bit fatigued. Getting lots of opportunity, though, is what I want, so it's not something I'm upset with. I love it.

I'm really happy with it. Obviously, I got a ton of opportunity, like I said, and I'm really grateful for that and the trust from the coach to give me those minutes and I'm really happy with how it went."

Obviously, there's a substantial skill gap between the WHL and the NHL, so with how well Minten was able to acquit himself during Leafs training camp, he has made a believer out of a lot of people, including himself.

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"When you play with higher level players, your game elevates, so I probably showed myself that there's another level to my game and now it's a challenge to try to maintain that and keep growing it from here." - Minten on his standout performance at camp

The big question on everyone's minds is obviously "will he make the team?". For Minten, he's doing his best to stay even keel and understand that he has made the most of his opportunity and that it's a win either way.

"We'll see. It's a huge step and obviously pre-season is not the same as the regular season. It's not up to me, it's up to the guys who have been in the league and have evaluated young guys like myself for many years. Either way I'm happy. I left everything I could on the table and either way, I'll be happy." - Minten on whether or not he feels he's done enough to make the team

This kid has impressed so many people in such a short time and he should be very proud of himself, not only for the way he has played, but also the way he carries himself. Whether he makes the team this season or not, Minten is a pro-in-the-making.

Full interview at NHL.com/mapleleafs.

Previously on MapleLeafsDaily

Member of last year's Leafs team reacts to the idea that he may be cut from the team

Sheldon Keefe hints at plan for Fraser Minten in post-game comments

Calder trophy candidate obliterated by nasty, clean hit

POLL
8 OCTOBRE \| 132 ANSWERS Fraser Minten responds to a bevy of important questions after his final pre-season game Regardless of whether the Leafs have Minten start the season in the NHL, what is the best course for his development?
Back to the WHL	27	20.5 %
9-game NHL trial	79	59.8 %
Keep him in the NHL, he's ready	26	19.7 %
List of polls