An announcement regarding the Toronto Marlies official roster has some big implications for Fraser Minten and the Maple Leafs.
A former second-round draft pick by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2022, Fraser Minten suffered an unfortunate injury during the Prospect Showcase just ahead of Leafs training camp.
Obviously, this was very disappointing for Minten, who seemed ready to make the jump to the Maple Leafs' main roster this season. He had already made the team out of camp in 2023-24 but only played four games before being sent down to the WHL.
According to Lance Hornby on X, there is a possibility that Minten could still be on the Maple Leafs' roster once he recovers from his injury, given that he was not listed on the Toronto Marlies' official roster.
Minten is coming off a strong 2023-24 campaign, where he captained the Canadian U20 World Juniors team, demonstrating his maturity and leadership. Minten also had an impressive season in the WHL with the Kamloops Blazers and Saskatoon Blades, tallying 48 points in 43 games. Could Minten be on the verge of securing a spot on the Maple Leafs, even with his injury?
Notably, Minten showed up to Maple Leafs camp looking exceptionally fit, indicating that he prioritized his training during the offseason.
If Minten can successfully transition to the NHL after recovering from his injury, it may signal the end of the line for someone like David Kampf.
Let's hope Minten makes a full recovery and gets the chance to showcase his improved skill set for the Maple Leafs this season.
