Maple Leafs’ Minten Earns Call Up and Deserves Chance to Stay in NHL – Hockey Writers –

The injuries have started to pile up for the Toronto Maple Leafs. With Calle Jarnkrok out for the month, Max Pacioretty aside and questions surrounding Auston Matthews’ upper body injury and his eventual return, David Kampf is now on that list as he is out with a lower body injury.

With the Maple Leafs team being tested and players needing to step up, they made a similar move by calling up Fraser Minten from the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League. Minten is back from a sprained ankle he suffered during the Montreal Canadiens tournament and has been impressive since his return.

Minten was one of the names on the Maple Leafs roster to keep an eye on as he could be in a position to fight for a roster spot. Despite the setback, there is a chance that he will continue to take a step forward after his strong performance this season.

Minten Never Missed

It is natural for a young player to be loaned out to get back into game form after an injury or to get more minutes. Minten wasted no time in making his presence felt with the Marlies in his first five games, as he had four points. In all cases, three of those four points were key points and he has averaged four shots on goal per game, which ranks first on the team in a shortstop. In addition, you have a target percentage of 70% even power.

Minten never missed a beat for the kids as he adjusted quickly and worked very well to get the call. Overall, Minten’s poise and maturity showed as he didn’t play like a 20-year-old rookie. He looked like a player who has been playing at that level for a while. There is always a transition period from junior to senior, but the way Minten has adapted to this level and speed is amazing. He plays a strong and physical two-way game and is not afraid to shoot the puck. He dominates the floor and always fights to get into the middle of the ice. Marlies coach John Gruden applauded his ability to make smart plays and play the game the right way. (from, ‘Fraser Minten quick to join Marlies after ankle injury’, The Toronto Sun – 11/16/24)

While you don’t want to rush players that young, you can’t help but notice their play and reward them for it.

“To be honest with you, I would have preferred to leave him there for a while,” general manager Brad Treliving said, according to TSN’s Mark Masters. “You have to be careful, especially with the young guys, who burst up and down, but he had a good start.”

Related: Maple Leafs Provide Injury Update on Calle Jarnkrok

The timing of Minten’s call is perfect as it could not have come at a better time. With injuries to two key centers in Matthews and Kampf, Minten is expected to be on the third line with Nicholas Robertson and Pontus Holmberg. A young line with players still trying to find their game as they have not changed this season. While he has the potential to be a reliable, well-rounded center, he could provide a spark for a bottom-six offense that has struggled as of late.

Minten Will Do Everything Necessary To Reserve The Site

All eyes were on Minten heading into this season and many were wondering what he would do to take the next step after playing four games with the Maple Leafs before being demoted to the Western Hockey League. He split last season with the Kamloops Blazers and Saskatoon Blades where he had 48 points in 43 games and added 14 more in 16 playoff games with the Blades.

Despite being given competition in camp, Minten may be struggling to make a plan. But because of the knowledge he has; it would definitely play a role if he were to break the schedule if he was healthy. That was quite obvious now as it was a big part of his quick dialing as the expert knowledge helped him.

Minten’s productivity, playing the game the way he knows how and he’ll do whatever it takes to let everyone know he belongs in the NHL. Now, this league is different compared to the AHL and you know it. However, that should not stop him from taking another big step forward. With the Maple Leafs’ depth coming into question, he is a player who can help with that. His overall game is simple, but impactful. Whether it’s a strong defensive game, timely scoring or heavy hitting, he knows what’s expected of him.

When everyone is healthy, that’s when tough decisions need to be made, especially if Minten succeeds and replicates his high level of play from the AHL to the NHL. He may push Holmberg or Robertson unless his performance is more noticeable than theirs. His play got him to this point and because of his determination and determination, it will be a big reason why he can stay in the NHL when all is said and done.

Related: What if the Leafs Had Picked Aho Over Dermott in 2015?

There may be growing pains and Minten may need more time for children. However, his early success turned heads and was rewarded for his self-expression. If there is anyone who represents that challenge, it is definitely him as his competitive nature is why he is here now.

And, maybe outside.

Statistics from AHL Tracker.