If you're expecting to see Easton Cowan and/or Fraser Minten in the NHL this season, you may be disappointed

The expectations are in for Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten in Toronto, and if we're hoping to see one or both stick with the Maple Leafs, we may end up disappointed.

Last season, Minten surprised pretty much everyone when he made the Leafs out of training camp as a 19-year-old, earning a four-game audition with the blue and white before being sent back to the WHL. Looking ahead to this season, Minten is expected to challenge for a full-time spot, which could explain why GM Brad Treliving did not pursue a third-line center more aggressively in free agency.

On TSN's 'First Up' today, Aaron Korolnek and Dave Feschuk discussed the Leafs' current roster and where the two rookies would fit among the forward group, but were very clear in saying they would not be the best solutions to fill holes in the lineup.

Korolnek then brought up the lack of depth on left wing that Elliotte Friedman reported on yesterday, citing that having one or both of Cowan and Minten making the Leafs would go a long way to shoring up the left side.

If Minten does struggle, the Leafs will at least have the option to send him to the AHL this year as he has aged out of the WHL range and become eligible to join the Marlies.

As for Easton Cowan, Korolnek and Feschuk believe that he will get the same treatment as Minten last season at the very least, but will likely find himself back in the OHL with the London Knights. With a few weeks until training camp, Leaf fans will continue to keep a close eye on Brad Treliving and the moves he makes or doesn't make to solidify the forward group.

Source: Hockey DB Fraser Minten Stats

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