Minten was elevated into the second-line winger spot during Toronto's 3-2 win against the Nashville Predators.
When Fraser Minten was called up by the Toronto Maple Leafs amid a string of injuries at the forward position, general manager Brad Treliving acknowledged that the call-up was much earlier than the organization would have preferred. Yet, the 20-year-old has taken the opportunity in stride, making such an impact that the Leafs face a tough decision once their injured players begin to return.
"I mean, if he can help us, I want him here. That's how I look at it," said Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube. "He's the type of player that we like a lot."
Since his call-up, Minten has logged two goals and two assists in six games. During Toronto's 3-2 victory over the Nashville Predators, Berube elevated Minten from centering the third line to playing on the wing alongside veteran stars John Tavares and William Nylander.
Minten, who is naturally a center, admitted that playing on the wing comes with a slightly different set of responsibilities, especially defensively, but he has adapted quickly.
"I think just like the way I am is a pretty studious guy," Minten shared. "Always try to figure out why things work the way they do in hockey and in life in every aspect, and I think that just helps with understanding the game and figuring out trends and things that are going on and making reads out there."
That cerebral approach to hockey has been a hallmark of Minten’s career. A second-round pick (38th overall) by the Maple Leafs in the 2022 NHL Draft, Minten has earned praise for his strong two-way play, high hockey IQ, and relentless work ethic. His development accelerated during his time in Junior where he became a key contributor on both sides of the puck, cementing himself as a player with NHL potential.
Since his recent call-up, Minten has embodied that competitive spirit. On Thursday, after leading all players with seven hits in Wednesday’s game and taking five shots on goal—second only to Auston Matthews—Minten was the sole player to participate in an optional skate. These extra efforts demonstrate his determination to stay at the NHL level, even though his waiver-exempt status makes sending him back to the minors the easier logistical choice.
Meanwhile, injured forwards Max Domi and Max Pacioretty resumed skating on Thursday, though both remain out for Friday’s game. Bobby McMann, also sidelined with a lower-body injury, took a brief skate and may return next week. Their recoveries could make the decision regarding Minten even more pressing.
Minten's journey to this point has been anything but conventional. He surprised many by making the Leafs' roster out of training camp in 2023-24, playing four NHL games before being returned to juniors. A high-ankle sprain in a rookie showcase game in Montreal derailed his momentum this year, keeping him from repeating the same feat out of camp. But with his recent performance, Minten has made it clear that he belongs in the NHL conversation.
So, what does it take for Minten to stick with the big club?
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"Competitiveness, I think, is a big thing," said Berube. "If you look at the minor leagues and guys that are NHL players, a lot of times it boils down to how competitive they are. I mean, there are talented guys in the minors, but a lot of times they don't stick in the NHL because they don't feel that they're competitive enough.
"He's a competitive guy, and he wants to be up here playing. He does whatever he has to do."