Leafs head coach says rookie forward has a legitimate chance to make the team out of training camp

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Mike Armenti
October 4, 2023 (2:54 PM)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs already have a pair of rookies expected to make the team this season in goaltender Joseph Woll and power forward prospect Matthew Knies, but now it appears as though there's another rookie who may steal a roster spot on the heels of an excellent training camp in Toronto.

Per Maple Leafs head coach, Sheldon Keefe, 19-year-old Fraser Minten has exceeded all expectations placed upon him by the team throughout training camp and has a very real chance to make the team.

Naturally, if Minten makes the Leafs out of training camp, as a natural center, he could slot in nicely at 3C, forcing Nylander back to the wing after a brief experiment at center during camp. If the Leafs are dead set on giving Nylander a longer run at center, however, Minten could always start on the wing, like a number of young centers have done over recent years, transitioning to center through a more gradual approach as they learn the ropes in the NHL.

Minten was outstanding for the WHL's Kamloops Blazers last season, racking up 31 goals and 67 points over a 57-game span. He also contributed on both special teams, killing penalties and playing on the Blazers' top PP unit. It was even speculated that he might wear the "C" for Kamloops if he goes back for another year of junior.

Minten has built some immediate chemistry with fellow rookie Matthew Knies, as the two former 2nd round picks have been staying at the same hotel throughout training camp and sharing rides to the practice rink everyday. The pair combined for 5 points in 2 games against Montreal this past weekend, which could be a part of the reason Keefe and company are considering giving him a shot at playing in the NHL right off the hop.

There has been a great deal of talk recently that Minten could be in line to make Team Canada's WJC roster and play in this year's tournament after missing out last year. If he makes the Leafs, he still may be afforded the opportunity and then either be brought back to the Leafs once the tournament ends (if successful in his initial look) or be sent down to his junior club in Kamloops to play the rest of the season down there to avoid being bumped off the Leafs' roster by whatever trade deadline additions they opt to pursue.