Toronto Reporter Makes Bold Prediction Involving Leafs Prospects Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan
Photo credit: JOHN E. SOKOLOWSKI-USA TODAY SPORTS
Sportsnet's Justin Bourne has suggested that the Toronto Maple Leafs will part with one of Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan at the trade deadline.
Currently on a three-game losing streak, the Maple Leafs are looking ahead to the trade deadline to potentially make a move, as they may be in desparate need of a bit of a shake-up.
With John Tavares returning today, the team's center depth has received a boost, but the Leafs still need to shore up the position if they want to make a deep playoff run, as injuries this season have highlighted the lack of depth.
As trade activity heats up across the NHL, the market is beginning to set a clear asking price for high-end players.
In his article, "What to Expect from the Maple Leafs by the 2025 Trade Deadline", Justin Bourne outlines which players he believes the Leafs may need to part with to land a strong center.
Surprisingly or unsurprisingly, depending on which side of the fence you're on, Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan are among the players Bourne views as valuable trade chips.
"Again, they don't have a ton of assets, but to acquire a real player they'll have to give someone up. Minten is a guy who would get another team excited (he can play in the NHL today and is, at worst, a very high IQ two-way third line centre). Cowan is the higher upside, higher risk on the downside play, so you have a prospect who would suit just about any selling team's fancy."
Both Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan are among the Leafs' top prospects, and as Bourne notes, they may be necessary to facilitate a trade.
Although Cowan hasn't yet suited up for the Maple Leafs in the NHL, Minten has appeared in 15 games this season, recording 4 points, and 19 games total over the last two seasons.
Minten has proven to be a reliable player, and he could be a solid fit for the third-line center role in the near future. However, his development timeline may not align with the Leafs' "win-now" mentality.
While both players have promising futures, the Leafs may find it worthwhile to trade one of them for an established 2C or 3C, especially if they're serious about pursuing the Stanley Cup this season.
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