Leafs GM Brad Treliving Admits to Concerns About Being Forced to Recall Fraser Minten

Just over a year ago, Maple Leafs prospect Fraser Minten was applauded for his impressive efforts in training camp, and there was talk that he would get an opportunity to play with the Maple Leafs to kick off the regular season.

Minten did receive a 4-game trial run at the beginning of last season, but was ultimately sent back to the WHL to continue to hone his craft, which appears to have been the right decision.

After suffering an unfortunate injury ahead of training camp, Minten did not have the ability to challenge for a roster spot this year, and began the season with the Leafs' American Hockey League affiliate, the Toronto Marlies. He has skated in five games to date, and during that time, has notched two goals to go along with two assists for four points.

Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving has finally broken his silence on the call-up of Minten, noting that the situation isn't necessarily ideal, but unfortunately, it was a requirement given the multitude of injuries suffered to Auston Matthews, Max Domi, Max Pacioretty, David Kampf and, of course, Calle Jarkrok, who has yet to play a game this season.

Treliving's synopsis of the call-up feels like someone who is trying to look at the situation in a glass-half-full manner. But in all honesty, what else is he going to say? The team is in a tough situation and he's being forced to make the right decision under a tough set of circumstances, which are beyond his control

While he understands that the situation dictated the call-up, he doesn't want to expose the youngster to anything that may discourage him, and would instead prefer to build him up the right way.

With a player of Minten's character and with the incredible work ethic he possesses, the idea of subjecting him to potential failure is probably not as big a deal as Treliving is making it out to be. Sometimes, these types of roster recalls are necessary to see what they have in a prospect and to determine their NHL-readiness.

Minten has excelled in the early stages of this season, despite having to battle back from a tough injury. Hopefully, he's up to the task and will thrive in his first call-up of the season.

Given the extensive injury challenges the Leafs have faced this season, it would be extremely nice to see a young player come up and flourish with his opportunity.