The Leafs are still two months away from the beginning of training camp and a hair under 3 months away from the start of the 2023-24 season. There's plenty to be excited about with the new brand of Leafs hockey we can expect to see with the likes of Ryan Reaves, Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi now in the fold, but training camp will also be the next opportunity to see a handful of the Leafs' top prospects test their metal with actual NHLers.
Last year, Fraser Minten came into training camp fresh from the draft and showed a lot of promise and impressed head coach Sheldon Keefe and captain John Tavares, as well as a number of other Leafs. At one point, there were some talking about whether or not he would actually make the cut as an 18-year-old, but ultimately, he went back to his junior club, the Kamloops Blazers, who were one of 4 teams to compete for the Memorial Cup.
Beginning July 3rd, a large group of Leafs prospects and invitees gathered in Toronto for Leafs Summer Development Camp. Yesterday, the Leafs released a behind the scenes clip of how prospects and staff spent the week, which can be seen below. Attendees were taught a number of things including some foundational tips on skating, nutrition, and how to take care of their bodies to help them reach that next level and prepare them for life as pro hockey players. They also had some fun in the city, visiting the aquarium, racing go-karts and enjoying the CN Tower.
The Leafs Blueprint series has been a treat for anyone who appreciates those behind the scenes looks at the team. For most of the participants in camp, it will be a number of years before we see them in the NHL. For some, like Ty Voit and Roni Hirvonen, we're likely going to see them in the AHL next season. For others, like 2023 28th overall pick Easton Cowan, returning to his junior club is more likely. For Nick Moldenhauer, a 3rd round pick in 2022 and a standout at development camp last week, his NCAA career will begin this fall at the University of Michigan, showcasing the many different paths players take to get to the NHL. The Leafs sure have a number of intriguing young players in the pipeline, and it will be interesting to see how they all perform next season after learning some new tricks at development camp earlier this month.
