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Fraser Minten reveals what it's like being in the NHL and how he is handling being a healthy scratch

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Ryan Smitheram
October 26, 2023 (11:50)

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The Leafs drafted Fraser Minten in the second round of the 2022 draft and since his draft selection, his development has taken leaps and bounds forward. He was the surprise of training camp this fall, as his play earned him a spot on the Leafs' roster and forced Nick Robertson to the AHL.

During Minten's time with the Leafs, he has not only had to adjust to the competition on the ice, but also how to take advantage of the resources that are available to him to help him continue to develop. In speaking with Sportsnet, Minten revealed how different the NHL is to the WHL.

"It's really fun. It feels like I get treated too well at times. It's unbelievable. They give us every reason to play really good on the ice, take care of everything off the ice as best as they can, with the best resources ever. It's sweet, The hotels are sick. Never seen hotels that nice before. The food � too much. I don't know what to choose. But everything is just as good as you can imagine. You never know what [NHL life] is actually like until you experience it. Off-ice, development-wise, the gym stuff is great. Like, doing the same lifts as the strongest, best-conditioned hockey players in the world. So overall, it's really good."

After playing in the Leafs' first four games of the season, Minten has found himself a healthy scratch for the last two games - something the Kamloops Blazer is not familiar with. However, he is taking it in stride and doing his best to continue to learn while being out of the lineup.

"It's new. Trying to handle it as best I can, but I haven't had to deal with it before. So, just kind of ask guys what they do when they're not playing, when they're just in warmup, stuff like that. Just continue doing everything I can. Not worrying about anything outside of what I can do with myself that day. Just keep pushing, being present, try to take in as much as I can. Be ready if need be."

The Leafs enter game four of their five-game road trip tonight in Dallas where Minten will be a scratch for the third straight game. What this means for Minten is still yet to be determined as he is still eligible to play another five games before burning the first year of his entry-level contract. As Sheldon Keefe alluded to before the road trip, it would be harder to shelter Minten and his minutes on the road, which would force him out against opponents' top lines. The Leafs could very well send Minten back to Kamloops when they return from their road trip, but they could also be waiting to get him back into a few home games where Keefe can protect him a little bit more.

Previously on MapleLeafsDaily

Podcaster and ex-NHLer believe the Leafs and Ducks can help each other with a trade

NHLer caught gambling on games, handed massive suspension by league

John Klingberg disagrees with people's assessment of his defensive game

POLL
26 OCTOBRE \| 246 ANSWERS Fraser Minten reveals what it's like being in the NHL and how he is handling being a healthy scratch How long should the Leafs keep Minten?
Send him back now	158	64.2 %
Let him play 9 games	72	29.3 %
Burn the first year of his deal and play all year	16	6.5 %
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