The Toronto Maple Leafs Potential Last 3 Forward Cuts of Training Camp
No. 1: Fraser Minten
After a successful few games, the Leafs are giving 19-year-old Fraser Minten every opportunity to crack the line-up, but I think he’s going to be on the chopping block.
After-all, the NHL always favours experience over youth, and the Leafs have several veterans who they’ll likely give ice time to rather than burn a year of an entry-level deal.
If he for some reason makes the team out of camp, my guess is that he’ll only play nine games before being sent back to junior.
Minten’s an interesting player to make the Leafs roster because he’s came out of nowhere.
Drafted 38th overall in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, he’s been listed as a top-five prospect for the team, but hasn’t been someone who’s looked prime to make the NHL.
With 31 goals and 67 points in the WHL last year, Minten had a breakout season and will more than likely surpass those numbers by a lot if he’s sent back to junior.
Not only does he have a strong shot, but he’s been a physical forward who isn’t afraid to use his body.
Mix that with some playmaking skills and it’s not as surprising as you think that he’s one of the final cuts at training camp this year, but he’s bound to spend the next eight months with the Kamloops Blazers before having a chance at being a full-time NHLer in 2024.