Craig Berube's Recent Comments Seem to Confirm Fraser Minten's Immediate Future in Toronto
The Maple Leafs were forced to recall Fraser Minten earlier than expected due to injuries, but the former 2nd-round pick has adjusted very well, according to Craig Berube.
Through five games with the Leafs since being recalled, Minten has registered 2 goals and 4 points and has looked every bit the part of a third-line NHL center.
Brad Treliving, the Leafs' general manager, has already admitted he would have preferred to keep Minten in the minors, but that an injury to David Kampf forced his hand.
After taking two months and missing all of training camp to recover from the high-ankle sprain he suffered at the 2024 Prospect Showcase, Minten has not looked out of place, according to Berube, who had some high praise for the rookie following Monday's victory in which Minten scored.
So, how has Minten looked in Berube's eyes? Here's what the Leafs' bench boss had to say:
The line was really good tonight for us, and he was very good."
As the Leafs begin to get healthier up front, the staff and management will have to make some difficult decisions when it comes to assignments, but it appears as though Minten has done enough so far to prolong his stay with the big club.
Not only does Craig Berube seem impressed with his play, but should it continue to trend upward, Minten may help Treliving when it comes to bolstering the roster for the post-season. If he can adequately play the role of 3C, it will allow Treliving to focus his attention elsewhere.
Only time will tell, but for now, it seems Minten isn't going back to the AHL anytime soon.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 4 | 2423 ANSWERS Craig Berube's Recent Comments Seem to Confirm Fraser Minten's Immediate Future in Toronto Is Fraser Minten the solution to the Leafs' center problems? | ||
| Yes | 635 | 26.2 % |
| Not yet, but he will be in the near future | 1123 | 46.3 % |
| For now, but they need more depth for the playoffs | 426 | 17.6 % |
| He should be in the lineup regardless | 239 | 9.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
