Maple Leafs Prospect Fraser Minten Has Made a Strong Impression on Teammates, Coaches
Photo credit: � Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Teammates and coaches are loving what they are seeing from Fraser Minten as the rookie looks to continue making an impact for the Maple Leafs.
Minten played his first four games in the NHL last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, failing to hit the scoresheet. Things are much different this time.
Minten has a goal and two assists in four games this season, and has been filling roles that someone with much more experience usually takes on.
His work ethic and drive are making a strong first impression on his teammates and coaches. Jake McCabe is particularly impressed with Minten's ability to fill some pretty big shoes for such a young player.
"It's not very often you can have a 19- or 20-year-old come right into your lineup and hop right in on the penalty kill or whatever it may be. He's kind of filling holes in that sense, so it's nice for us and for him to get that experience and that confidence."
Head coach Craig Berube agrees. He is taking a more cautious approach with the young player, but has been thoroughly impressed.
"He's a young kid that hasn't had much NHL experience for sure and didn't really get much playing time in the minors before he was called up because we needed him. He's just got to keep working on his game and improving at reading the play better. At the NHL level, it's quick, right? You've got to anticipate. He's a very positionally sound player, but it takes time. It's not just going to happen overnight."
It wasn't that long ago that Leafs GM Brad Treliving admitted to having concerns with calling up Fraser Minten from the minors. So far, Minten is making Treliving and the rest of the staff look very good.
Healthy scratches were recently announced following the return of Auston Matthew and Matthew Knies. Minten not being one of them, despite the fact that he's so young, is a great indication of the impact he's made so far.
Minten is clearly soaking in every moment from his second short stint in the NHL that he can, and will only get better from here provided the Maple Leafs are consistent with his development. There's no question he's earned his spot on the team so far.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 2 | 2288 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Prospect Fraser Minten Has Made a Strong Impression on Teammates, Coaches Do you think Fraser Minten will stay with the Maple Leafs all season or be sent back to the minors at some point? | ||
| Maple Leafs all season | 771 | 33.7 % |
| He'll go back to the minors | 1296 | 56.6 % |
| I'm not sure | 221 | 9.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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