It was an impressive season debut for Maple Leafs prospect Fraser Minten on Wednesday night against the Vegas Golden Knights, forming an entertaining energy line with Nikita Grebenkin and Nick Robertson and finishing the evening with his first NHL goal and, most importantly, two points for the team.
Minten dipped his feet into the NHL last season, playing four games with the team after an impressive training camp before he was reassigned to the Western Hockey League (WHL). While his offensive numbers didn’t jump off the page last season, his instincts on both sides of the puck and his safe, coach-friendly style of game helped him get off to a hot start in the minors, which ultimately led to his call-up.
Morgan Rielly, who, like Minten, hails from Vancouver, is the Maple Leafs’ longest-serving player and has worn a letter on his jersey for the better part of his tenure. Speaking to reporters before Sunday morning’s game-day skate, Rielly spoke very fondly about what’s impressed him in Minten’s game.
“He’s great. I think he’s really smart player, really understands the game, really understands his role,” Rielly said. “And just a great young man, I got to spend some time with him, he has a great head on his shoulders. He fits right in.”
As impressive as Minten’s season debut was, Rielly knows that not every night is going to be that way.
“It’s not easy. He’s gonna have really good days like he did that night, and there’s going to be tougher days. It’s about the big picture and just learning, pushing through. It’s on us to help him through it.”
Making not only his season debut, but his NHL debut alongside Minten was fellow prospect and 2022 draft pick Nikita Grebenkin. The 21-year-old Russian has caught the attention of fans and media both for his work ethic and personality off the ice, and his teammates have been able to see it up close.
“Great personality. He was here in July and August when I was in the gym training, I had a couple of chances to chat with him. He’s got great energy, he loves hockey, he loves to be here and work hard.”
The Maple Leafs will host Utah HC for the first tilt between the old and new franchise in both team’s histories, with both Minten and Grebenkin set to suit up alongside Marlies teammate Alex Nylander, who will skate alongside his brother William for the first time in the NHL.
