A Substantial Update to Report on Maple Leafs Top Prospect Fraser Minten

The week before NHL training camps opened up, the Maple Leafs had sent several prospects and camp invitees to Montreal to compete in the 2024 Prospects Showcase. It was there where the Leafs' top center prospect, Fraser Minten, suffered a high-ankle sprain, which eliminated any possibility of him taking part in Leafs training camp.

After making the team last season out of camp, Minten was among the favourites to be on the opening night roster this season. Unfortunately, his injury prevented that from occurring, and Minten opened the season on season opening injured reserve (SOIR).

Thankfully, per official reports from NHL.com's Dave McCarthy and The Hockey News' Nick Barden, Minten was back on the ice in Toronto on Thursday morning, grinding away towards an eventual return, taking part in a vigorous skate.

Today's skate was optional, but Minten did have some company, as Auston Matthews and William Nylander both took part in today's skate as well, showing a strong dedication to fine-tuning their skills ahead of Saturday's matchup against the New York Rangers.

Minten will not be in the lineup on Saturday for obvious reasons, but it will be interesting to see how the Leafs integrate him into their practice plans, if at all, in the coming week as he begins to turn up the intensity in his training and recovery.

Minten will most likely begin his season with the AHL's Toronto Marlies now that he is eligible.