Sheldon Keefe comments on the Leafs sending Minten back to the WHL
With the injury to Jake McCabe Thursday night in Dallas, the Leafs were faced with a tough decision; send Fraser Minten down to Kamloops to be able to recall a defenseman or send Pontus Holmberg down to the Marlies, recall a defenceman and insert Minten back into the lineup. The Leafs chose the former option, returning Minten to Kamloops, which likely made the most sense.
Minten had been a healthy scratch for the Leafs' past three games as the Leafs elected to go with the more experienced and defensively sound Holmberg over the 19-year-old. This morning, at the morning skate for the Leafs, Sheldon Keefe reflected on Minten's short stint with the Leafs.
"He should be really proud and feel good about what he's done to earn an opportunity to play in the NHL... He's just got such terrific perspective and maturity."
Minten will head back to Kamloops where he will immediately become the team's top center and have a chance to play with his younger brother Bryce. He may also be named captain. Should he dominate the WHL like he wants to, he should have a pretty good shot at making Team Canada's World Junior team and perhaps play alongside another Leafs prospect in Easton Cowan.
POLL |
OCTOBRE 28 | 213 ANSWERS Sheldon Keefe comments on the Leafs sending Minten back to the WHL Should the Leafs have sent Minten back sooner? |
Yes | 116 | 54.5 % |
No | 97 | 45.5 % |
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