Maple Leafs prospect "very close" to making the NHL on a full-time basis
Photo credit: NHL.com
Maple Leafs prospect Fraser Minten is on the brink of securing a spot on the Maple Leafs squad following an impressive season in juniors.
Toronto Maple Leafs selected forward Fraser Minten 38th overall in the second round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Since then, Minten has consistently impressed.
Having played four games for the Maple Leafs last season, the former Kamloops Blazer and Saskatoon Blade appears closer to becoming an NHL-ready player sooner than many might have anticipated.
According to Dave McCarthy's article entitled ''Minten 'very close' to landing full-time role with Maple Leafs'' on NHL.com, Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser, Leafs assistant general manager, believes that, with a little help, Minten can be an everyday NHLer:
''It's just about trying to assist him toward taking that next step to being an everyday NHL player. He's very close.'' - Maple Leafs AGM, Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser
This is high praise from Wickenheiser, widely regarded as one of the greatest female hockey players of all-time. Wickenheiser also commented on Minten's performance at the team's recent Summer Development Camp.
''He's just such a pro. He's a very mature kid. He's a leader everywhere he goes and he's really like a sponge.''
Minten is coming off a 2023-24 season where he split time between the Kamloops Blazers and the Saskatoon Blades of the WHL. He recorded an impressive 48 points in 43 games with the two clubs, along with 14 points in 16 playoff games with the Blades.
Additionally, Minten served as captain for Team Canada at the 2024 World Junior Championship, further showcasing his leadership skills at a young age.
At 20 years old, Minten appears poised to make a strong push for a spot on the Maple Leafs roster out of training camp.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 13 | 997 ANSWERS Maple Leafs prospect "very close" to making the NHL on a full-time basis Will Fraser Minten make Maple Leafs team out of training camp and be a full-time NHLer this season? | ||
| Yes | 667 | 66.9 % |
| No | 330 | 33.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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