Keefe elaborates on his comments about rookie having a chance to make the Leafs out of camp
As a second round pick in last year's draft, Fraser Minten was not expected to come into training camp this year and impress the way he has - yet, here he is with a real shot at being on the Leafs' opening night roster. Following practice on Wednesday in Gravenhurst, where the Leafs are on their annual training camp bonding trip, Sheldon Keefe was asked about the potential that Minten has to make the roster for opening night.
"Just how does he fit in with the group?" Keefe said. "He's already, to me, passed the first test. He goes out in Montreal and plays head-to-head against (Nick) Suzuki or (Kirby) Dach every shift and did a great job there."
Keefe further elaborated on how they would make the decision on Minten saying, "It's a combination of things. Whether he's ready for us and we're ready for him. But we have games to play and we're gonna use them to give him an opportunity to grow and develop whether it results in him sticking around this year or helps him to be closer when he comes back."
Keefe is giving Minten every opportunity to make the Leafs as he had him centering a line with Matthew Knies and Calle Jarnkrok in practice on Wednesday and although Keefe said the lineup for Thursday's game isn't finalized, it shouldn't be a surprise if we see Minten will playing between Knies and Jarnkrok tonight.
With only 2 games left on the pre-season schedule, Minten will have to continue to show that he belongs in the NHL if he truly does wish to make the jump immediately. That means emptying the tank on each shift, playing smart two-way hockey, finishing his checks and creating/converting on his chances.
Previously on Maple Leafs Daily
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 5 | 265 ANSWERS Keefe elaborates on his comments about rookie having a chance to make the Leafs out of camp If Fraser Minten does make the Leafs out of training camp, what is the best spot for him on the roster? | ||
| 3rd line C | 178 | 67.2 % |
| 4th line C | 40 | 15.1 % |
| Bottom six wing | 40 | 15.1 % |
| Top six wing | 7 | 2.6 % |
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