The Toronto Maple Leafs' second-round pick from 2022, Fraser Minten, appears to have taken his off-season training very seriously and is poised to secure a full-time NHL spot out of training camp this year.
Minten has shared a summer update on Instagram, not only highlighting his off-season activities but also showcasing his impressive new physique.
Minten previously attended Maple Leafs camp in 2023 and stayed with the team after it concluded, playing in 4 NHL games before being returned to Kamloops in the WHL.
During the 2023-24 season, Minten made significant strides with his two-way play, often looking like a man playing against boys. However, with 48 points in 43 games, split between the Kamloops Blazers and the Saskatoon Blades, some are concerned that his production isn't quite good enough to make the jump without spending some time in the AHL first. Judging by Minten's physique, he has just one goal in mind -- playing in the NHL.
Minten captained the 2024 Canadian U20 World Junior team, demonstrating the maturity and leadership of the 20-year-old Vancouver native, whom many have suggested is wise beyond his years.
With the Maple Leafs already having considerable forward depth, it may be challenging for Minten, or fellow rookie Easton Cowan, to make the team out of camp unless they perform lights out. However, with Minten's new found bulk, he's certainly giving himself a fighting chance.
Minten seems well on his way to becoming a defensively responsible 3C in the NHL. The question is not if he'll make the NHL, but when, and it may even be as early as the 2024-25 season.
Source: HockeyDBFraser Minten Statistics
POLL | ||
8 SEPTEMBRE | 210 ANSWERS Fraser Minten is coming to Maple Leafs training camp looking absolutely chiseled Will Fraser Minten make the Maple Leafs out of camp? | ||
Yes | 132 | 62.9 % |
No | 78 | 37.1 % |
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