Maple Leafs Put Fraser Minten In Awkward Spot With His Locker Room Stall Placement
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski/USA TODAY Sports
Maple Leafs rookie Fraser Minten returned to the lineup on Monday, but unfortunately for the young center, his locker room stall placement was an awkward one.
The Toronto Maple Leafs called up rookie Fraser Minten to the NHL after veteran forward John Tavares suffered an injury during a team practice last week.
On Monday, Minten made his return to the lineup in a solid 5-3 victory against division rival Tampa Bay Lightning, marking his first game since being recalled.
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube seemed impressed with the rookie's performance in his post-game comments.
"I thought he played a solid game for us. That line did us some good things, had energy at times, and had some chances. They were pretty good. He was solid. It was his first game back, and it has been a while. To me, he was in the right position all night. Pretty solid all-around game from him. I was happy with him."
Minten has big shoes to fill, and the team has put him in quite the awkward spot in the locker room. Not only is he sitting between superstars Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner in the locker room, but he's also occupying John Tavares' locker.
When asked about sitting in Tavares' stall while the veteran is sidelined with injury, Minten had a lighthearted response. As per LeafsLatest on X:
Minten was asked: "You're really gonna sit there?"
Minten: "I guess I have to."
Minten: "I guess I have to."
Of course, the ribbing from his teammates is all in good fun. The Leafs' locker room is quite supportive of one another, and have built a brotherhood of sorts. What fun would it be if you can't tease your little brother?
While Minten has big expectations to meet, he's still finding his footing. While he's currently occupying the roster spot left open by John Tavares, nobody is expecting Minten to carry the same amount of weight. Tavares has been rejuvenated this season, accumulating an impressive 42 points in 44 games.
Minten, by contrast, has recorded just 4 points in 12 games. However, his defensive play has shown maturity beyond his years, proving to be reliable in his own zone.
Minten will get another opportunity to prove himself tomorrow night when the Maple Leafs take on the Columbus Blue Jackets at Scotiabank Arena.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 21 | 2624 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Put Fraser Minten In Awkward Spot With His Locker Room Stall Placement Should Fraser Minten stay up in the NHL for the remainder of the season? | ||
| Yes | 1124 | 42.8 % |
| No | 650 | 24.8 % |
| Depends on his play | 850 | 32.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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