Leafs top prospect a lock in next years lineup and it's not Matthew Knies
In last year's draft, the Toronto Leafs made a significant move by selecting Fraser Minten in the 2nd round, considering him one of their top 15 prospects, as stated by Kyle Dubas.
This pick came as a surprise to many, considering Minten's highest publicly scouted position was 47th, according to TSN. The Leafs seemed to possess inside knowledge about Minten's health situation, as he has showcased exceptional performance since recovering.
Minten's style of play closely resembles that of Knies, exhibiting a combination of physicality and elite offensive skills. Although Minten scored an impressive 67 points in 57 games this past season, he accomplished this feat while playing alongside eight other drafted prospects on the stacked Kamloops Blazers team. Minten finished fourth in team scoring, behind Logan Stankoven, Caedan Bankier, and Matthew Seminoff.
Nevertheless, Minten's well-rounded game, showcasing scoring ability and physical presence, holds significant value at the NHL level.
The upcoming season will determine Minten's future, and it is highly likely that he could earn a spot in the NHL lineup, despite expectations that he may need another year in juniors. His playing style could position him well within the bottom-six forwards, but with a summer of hard work, he could elevate his status as a middle-six option next year.
If Minten does make it to the NHL, Toronto's scouting department deserves immense credit. It is not often that a 2nd round pick secures a spot in the NHL within two years of being drafted. Players who accomplish this, such as Sebastian Aho, tend to become elite talents at the NHL level.
| POLL | ||
Do you think Fraser Minten will make the NHL next year? | ||
| Yes | 334 | 51.4 % |
| No | 316 | 48.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
