From a player personnel standpoint, it will be interesting to see what the Maple Leafs lineup looks like over the next few weeks, especially up front.
With Auston Matthews, Max Pacioretty, Ryan Reaves, and Calle Jarnkrok all out, there’s no question that the Leafs could use some fresh bodies.
Even though he’s suited up in just five AHL games so far in the 2024-25 campaign, I think that the Leafs should strongly consider calling up Fraser Minten. The 20-year-old pivot, who already has four NHL regular season outings to his name, has already tallied two goals and two helpers for the Marlies as he works his way back from a high ankle sprain. By all accounts, he’s looked good.
Simply put, now’s the time for Toronto to evaluate what they have on the farm before business really picks up in the second half of the season. With Matthews banged up and Max Domi struggling (pointless in 13 straight games), there’s certainly a need for a potential boost of sorts up the middle. At the very least, calling up Minten would give them a very good indication of what they should look to address between now and the trade deadline. For all they know, Minten could be the answer when it comes to that vacant third line centre role.
For those concerned about giving the 2022 second rounder too much too soon, if it doesn’t work, the Leafs have the luxury of sending Minten back down. He’s waiver exempt. On the surface, this move almost makes too much sense right now.
As mentioned, the sample size was relatively small, but Minten muscled his way onto Toronto’s 2023-24 Opening Night roster. Now, he’s a year and a half older with a whole whack of experience under his belt. Additionally, he’s bigger, he’s stronger, I have minimal doubts that he would be able to hack it —and then some.
In the grand scheme of things, calling upon Fraser Minten seems like a win-win type of move. He either excels in the promotion, or it becomes crystal clear that this team will need to look externally for help up the middle.
