The Prospect Showdown is the place followers get to see the up-and-coming prospects on their group and see what the long run could possibly be like for his or her franchise. The Toronto Maple Leafs have been ramping up for his or her new marketing campaign with signings to bolster their roster, however additionally they have some promising prospects who may make a splash on the NHL degree sooner quite than later. A kind of prospects is ahead Fraser Minten, who has regarded snug alongside different prime prospects and could possibly be able to make a full-time leap to the NHL this season.
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The 20-year-old was drafted within the second spherical of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft by the Maple Leafs after a robust exhibiting within the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Kamloops Blazers. Minten scored 20 objectives in his draft 12 months and added 35 assists for 55 factors by 67 video games. The 2022-23 marketing campaign was much more spectacular as he scored 31 objectives and added 36 assists for 67 factors by 57 video games. Final season was a large step ahead for Minten, who earned the chance to play 4 video games with the Maple Leafs earlier than being despatched again to the WHL. Final season between the Blazers and Saskatoon Blades, he scored 22 objectives and added 26 assists for 48 factors by 43 video games.
Minten has an actual probability to make the Maple Leafs’ opening-night lineup. He has proven enchancment in the course of the Prospect Showdown with confidence in his offensive recreation and defensive talents. With a number of alternatives out there, in addition to a brand new head coach in Craig Berube, Minten is ready up nicely to make the group out of coaching camp and grow to be a full-time NHL ahead. His play in the course of the Showdown ought to be a robust indication of the constructive step ahead in his growth, and it appears now that the spot is his to lose.
Minten Might Be Darkish Horse Calder Trophy Candidate
With simply 4 video games beneath his belt on the NHL degree, Minten is eligible for the Calder Trophy, which is awarded to the very best rookie. Whereas the early favourites are Macklin Celebrini and Matvei Michkov, Minten could possibly be a darkish horse contender for the trophy. If Minten is open to taking part in on the left wing this season, he may begin as excessive because the second line alongside John Tavares and William Nylander, which supplies him an enormous benefit.
Whereas he isn’t going to be a favorite for the trophy by any means, his expertise may permit him to get seen as one of many league’s prime rookies, particularly taking part in alongside two fellow stars who’re confirmed offensive producers. Even when Minten begins the season as a centerman and works his method up from the bottom-six ahead group, he may nonetheless discover a strategy to increase their manufacturing and be an X-factor for the Maple Leafs this season.
Minten Suffers Damage Throughout Prospect Showdown
Minten took a tough hit in opposition to the Montreal Canadiens from David Reinbacher, however he did rise up and skate off on his personal energy. Hopefully, it’s not one thing that lingers and causes him to be out long-term, but it surely’s not best that one of many prime prospects has gone down with an harm and will not have the ability to proceed showcasing himself as he appears to earn a roster spot.
Minten was favouring his left foot, per @ToddCrocker on the published.
— Nick Barden (@nickbarden) September 15, 2024
Relying on the severity of the harm, Minten could possibly be shut down till coaching camp. It’s all the time unlucky to see somebody go down, even whether it is simply minor. Fortunately, there may be loads of time to get well earlier than the season will get underway, so he shouldn’t lose his alternative to make the group. For precautionary causes, it appears as if he was held out of the rest of the sport in opposition to the Canadiens on Sunday (Sept. 15).
If that is the final we’ve seen of Minten on the Showdown, he has executed sufficient to impress within the brief time he performed. His palms and defensive IQ have improved since final season, and it’s clear he’s taken strides offensively and along with his skating means. Hopefully, he can get well shortly and are available again sturdy for the beginning of the 2024-25 season.
