Marlies Coach John Gruden Has Plenty to Say About Maple Leafs Prospect Fraser Minten
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski/USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Marlies head coach John Gruden ranted and raved about the tremendous play of rookie Fraser Minten just before his latest NHL recall, blown away by his play.
The Toronto Maple Leafs came into tonight's matchup with the New Jersey Devils on a 3-game losing streak, and are without a key veteran. John Tavares suffered an injury during practice yesterday and has been placed on IR and given a week-to-week injury designation.
In light of Tavares' injury, rookie Fraser Minten was called up from the AHL.
As per LeafsPR on X:
"Maple Leafs F John Tavares has been placed on IR (lower body).
F Fraser Minten has been recalled from the Toronto Marlies (AHL)."
F Fraser Minten has been recalled from the Toronto Marlies (AHL)."
Minten, who has already appeared with the Maple Leafs this season, has impressed with his strong two-way game and maturity beyond his years. Minten amassed 4 points in 11 games so far with the Maple Leafs.
Toronto Marlies head coach John Gruden recently praised Minten's development, highlighting his all-around play in various situations. As quoted in Nick Barden's article for The Hockey News, entitled "How Fraser Minten And Other Maple Leafs Prospects Have Developed With Marlies This Season", Gruden said:
"For a young player, we all know he plays the right way, he plays a 200-foot game. And by playing with us, he's getting it in all situations. He's playing penalty kill, power play, all five-on-five situations, so he's getting a lot of experience."
"The one thing I like about him is he comes to work every day. He never takes a day off. He just has to continue to grow his game and understand what works and keep building and keep growing and help him out as he moves forward," Gruden continued.
Marlies captain Logan Shaw also had high praise for Minten:
"It honestly feels like he's been around for a while. It's hard to believe he's only played a couple of pro games,"
Minten has already made a strong impression on his Maple Leafs teammates, and it appears the sentiment is shared throughout the organization.
The rookie will join the team amid their losing streak, hoping to provide a much-needed spark, though he did not dress against the Devils. This call-up could be a pivotal moment in Minten's career, as it may determine whether he earns a full-time spot with the big club for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 16 | 1944 ANSWERS Marlies Coach John Gruden Has Plenty to Say About Maple Leafs Prospect Fraser Minten Has Fraser Minten earned a full-time spot with the Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 936 | 48.1 % |
| No | 1008 | 51.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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