Trade Chip #2: Fraser Minten
If rebuilding teams weren’t looking for draft picks, the next likely asset they would pursue from contenders would usually be high-end prospects in the system.
Despite trading many of their early round draft picks in the past few seasons, the Maple Leafs have still managed to uncover many unexpected gems with their limited number of picks. In particular, the likes of Matthew Knies, Topi Niemela, Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten all come to mind.
Knies has become a regular fixture in the Leafs everyday lineup already and likely won’t be moved. Niemela hasn’t fully developed his defensive game just yet, so prospective teams may be still skeptical of his value. Cowan definitely would attract the eyes of many, but his potential is currently too great right now for the Leafs to give up on so soon.
As a result, of all of the Maple Leafs top prospects, Minten becomes the most viable trade option the club can use when it comes to prospects in their system. He made his NHL debut with the Leafs last season, getting into four games before being sent back to the WHL for more seasoning.
He would go on to produce a solid season with the Saskatoon Blades and looks to challenge once again for a roster spot this upcoming season. However, his potential is yet to be known given he didn’t have the breakout season like Cowan had.
As a result, with the emergence of the rapidly-rising Cowan, it has made Minten expendable if the Leafs needed to use a top-end prospect to get any deal done.