Maple Leafs Top Prospect Stands Out In Tournaments First Game

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Dawson Mckenzie
September 15, 2023 (1:10 PM)

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The prospect tournament is a big week of hockey, letting fans get a first look at their future stars. This Leafs star stood out in the tournament's first game.

Fraser Minten Impresses

Fraser Minten was the Leafs' second-round draft pick in the 2022 entry draft. After signing a 3-year entry-level deal last year, he attended Leafs training camp and got into 1 pre-season game before going back to his WHL team.

This year, he seems to be impressing at the prospect tournament in their first game. Marlies HC John Gruden had this to say about him.

I thought Minten was outstanding. Not only on the ice but I thought he was great on the bench, positive and making sure that guys were still engaging and part of it. I really was impressed with his leadership skills.

Leafs Prospects

Minten is a young centerman, a tough position for the 19-year-old to crack on the Leafs roster. However, at 6-2 190 pounds, Minten has the size needed to play in the NHL one day.

It will be interesting to see how Minten's development proceeds, especially with another year of Junior left to play if he doesn't crack a roster spot, which is the likely future. However, if he continues to impress, he could earn some more time with the team during pre-season.