Major Development Regarding Fraser Minten's Future with the Leafs
While he's recovering from injury, Fraser Minten's spot with the Maple Leafs is seemingly on hold for the time being but could he be returning soon?
Coming into training camp with a fresh mentality and the determination to secure his spot on the Maple Leafs, Fraser Minten looked incredible during his time on the ice, and his chemistry with fellow prospect Easton Cowan was something to behold.
Fraser Minten played a crucial part in securing Toronto's win in the first Prospect Showcase. However, he suffered a nasty injury after hitting the boards feet first in the second Showcase game, and has been on the shelf ever since.
Minten's spot on the team was all but assured, as he was projected to make the team in a fourth line role. Currently, that status is up in the air, however, we might have an idea as to when Minten may return, and it may be right away with the Maple Leafs.
Per Lance Hornby of The Sun, Minten was left off the Toronto Marlies opening night roster for their season opener against San Diego:
It's interesting to see Minten being left off, and it could signal that Toronto doesn't want him to be sent right away to the Marlies, and is working towards some lineup and roster movement to open up his spot for his return. Having played in four games with the Maple Leafs in 2022-2023, Minten is still looking to register his first career point and looked poised to do so before the injury. His 2023-2024 with Kamloops and Saskatoon was solid, having 22 goals and 26 assists in 43 games split between the clubs and also captained Team Canada in the U-20 World Juniors, another big boost to his profile.
Minten's return would spell the end for either Calle Jarnkrok, David Kampf, or Pontus Holmberg, although Toronto would be privy to keep the first two as they've played well so far and have the grit and relentlessness that head coach Craig Berube expects. He would inject some youth onto the Maple Leafs' bottom line, and him on a line with Kampf and Steven Lorentz would be a fun, tough, and hard-working fourth line where the offense has a chance to shine as well.
While we don't know the exact date of when Fraser Minten is coming back from injury it seems like all signs are pointing to soon, and the Maple Leafs are just keeping his spot on the bench warm until he's 100%.
