Top Leafs Prospect Impresses Keefe So Much That He's Close to Joining the Main Squad

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Julien Trekker
October 1, 2023 (10:55)

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Another Prospect to Make It with the Maple Leafs?

The Toronto Maple Leafs had back-to-back victories over the Montreal Canadiens and we saw a lot of positive in these games.

All eyes were on Matthew Knies, as he's considered the Leafs' top prospect and is deemed NHL ready by many, but also on Ilya Samsonov, Jake McCabe, Easton Cowan, and Fraser Minten had their moments.

Sheldon Keefe revealed in the post-game press conference that he was impressed by someone in particular.

Keefe Impressed by Minten, Not Only On the Ice

Fraser Minten has been great in the pre-season so far. In four games, he scored one goal and three assists.

Sheldon Keefe highlighted his performances during a comment he made after the game.

He specified that he's not only impressed by what he sees on the ice, but also off the ice.

Here's what he said when he was asked to talk about the qualities of the young player:

"It's a long list, quite honestly. It's an old cliché, but he is mature beyond his years. Not only just how he plays, but on the bench. He's the most talkative guy and there's not a lot of fluff in what he's saying. He's directing traffic. He's coaching in a lot of ways.

It was the same in Traverse City with reports that we got from Jon Gruden: he's engaged in the game. His leadership qualities are what really stand out. And then he gets on the ice and he competes, he's in the right spots and he can make a play. So he's a great player. We were excited about him when we got him in the draft. And from what I've seen, his development from last year to now is remarkable."

These are great words from the coach, that will probably give Minten the boost he needs to continue pushing for a spot in the Leafs' lineup.

As seen on Maple Leafs Daily -
Sheldon Keefe quote suggests that a Leafs prospect may actually make the team out of training camp