Maple Leafs Make Surprising Announcement Involving Top Prospect Fraser Minten

After getting a short audition with the Leafs last season, many had high expectations for Fraser Minten entering training camp this season. Unfortunately, during the 2024 Prospect Showcase in Montreal, Minten sustained a high-ankle sprain after being shoved into the boards awkwardly while in on a forecheck.

The injury forced Minten to miss all of training camp, and had him begin the season on the season opening injured reserve. The former second-round pick returned to the ice just under two weeks ago, suggesting to many that a return could be coming at any time.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Leafs officially announced that Minten has been activated from SOIR and assigned to the Toronto Marlies of the AHL, which means he could see some game action in short order.

The return to action for the former 38th overall selection in the 2022 entry draft could be potentially threatening news for someone like Pontus Holmberg, who has found himself in the doghouse of Craig Berube for his lackluster performance so far this season. There's certainly a chance that if Minten gets into a few games for a Marlies and looks good, the Leafs could recall him, leaving Holmberg to potentially face a healthy scratch scenario or perhaps even a trip to the waiver wire.

Minten likely won't be seeing any NHL games in the immediate future as he needs to get back into game shape after missing the past two months. Depending how Minten progresses in practice, he could make his Marlies debut this Saturday.

The Marlies play just once this weekend before having another week off and given the severity of his ankle sprain, allowing Minten more time to get back into the swing of things will be beneficial in the long-term.