Could the Toronto Maple Leafs already have the solution for their third-line center?

From the recent extended absence of captain Auston Matthews, the Toronto Maple Leafs have certainly learned one thing. That important thing is the fact that they are actually quite thin at the center position.

As the Toronto Maple Leafs interim solution without Matthews, they have moved David Kampf up to center the third line, while having makeshift centers in Pontus Holmberg and now Steven Lorentz on the fourth line to drive the bottom-six.

It might be acceptable to have one of the lines focus mainly on defense and checking without providing much offensive potential. But no team can dress two fourth lines over an extended period of time and have success.

Most noteworthy is the fact that a defensive forward like Kampf pretty much precludes the team from having any depth scoring. Max Domi had also struggled in the center role as has been shown to be more effective as a winger during his tenure with the Maple Leafs, as witnessed last season. At this point, the Leafs could even trade for a third-line center, including a reunion with a former friend, but options around the league are limited.

Could the Toronto Maple Leafs already have the solution for their third-line center?

But in reality, the Maple Leafs might not need to search hard for their solution, as they may already have one waiting in the wings. That prime candidate for the position is none other than top prospect Fraser Minten, whom they called up yesterday.

Recall from last year that Minten had impressed so much during training camp that he actually began the 2023-24 season with the Leafs. In doing so, it forced the team to trade away Sam Lafferty to make it happen. Although Minten only ended up lasting four games, he had shown some promise in the process. More importantly, he returned to juniors and flourished with an additional year of growth and development in his game.

With that, Minten was expected to contend for a spot on the Leafs Opening Night roster once again this season before he sustained a high ankle sprain during a game against Montreal in the Prospect’s Showdown prior to training camp. The unfortunate injury took away any chances of him making the Maple Leafs roster as a result. 

Now that Minten has fully recovered and was finally back in action playing for the Toronto Marlies in the AHL, he has impressed so far in his first five games with the club. He has recorded two goals and two assists for four points, including sparking a spirited comeback in the Marlies’ game this past Saturday to help get the team into overtime. He has been praised by his coach John Gruden for his play in all three zones, and that he will continue to get better as well.

As a result, Minten now gets a chance to prove the Leafs don't need to make a trade for a centre. For those that are worried of bringing in a young player too early, just look no further than to Brayden Point of the Tampa Bay Lightning. The former third-round pick only had nine AHL games of experience under his belt before he was thrusted into a starting role with the Lightning at aged 20 during the 2016-17 NHL season. That year, he posted 18 goals and 40 points over 68 games played and we all know now how he turned out from there on. (All stats from hockeydb.com)

With the smart hockey IQ and maturity in the play of Minten, if he can come anywhere close to what Point did for the Lightning in his first season, the Leafs should be more than happy to have him on board to help with their center situation. With the potential high end play that he could bring, it should definitely be worth the try at this point.