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

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Ryan Smitheram
August 26, 2024  (5:46 PM)
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Easton Cowan will look to surprise many at training camp this season
Photo credit: Steven Ellis

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.

"Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan, they have a chance here," said Feschuk. "They're still young. It's hard to imagine they would be the guys you want on your roster come playoff time..."

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.

"Maybe Max Domi plays on the left wing if Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan makes the team, it's possible that could be a way to solidify that left side...If Domi is down the middle, they are extremely weak and very inexperienced on 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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If you're expecting to see Easton Cowan and/or Fraser Minten in the NHL this season, you may be disappointed

Who will have a greater impact for the Leafs this season?

Minten14317.6 %
Cowan40249.4 %
Grebyonkin678.2 %
Other20124.7 %
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