Toronto Reporter Makes Bold Prediction Involving Leafs Prospects Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan
Photo credit: JOHN E. SOKOLOWSKI-USA TODAY SPORTS
Currently on a three-game losing streak, the Maple Leafs are looking ahead to the trade deadline to potentially make a move, as they may be in desparate need of a bit of a shake-up.
With
John Tavares returning today, the team's center depth has received a boost, but the Leafs still need to shore up the position if they want to make a deep playoff run, as injuries this season have highlighted the lack of depth.
Surprisingly or unsurprisingly, depending on which side of the fence you're on, Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan are among the players Bourne views as valuable trade chips.
"Again, they don't have a ton of assets, but to acquire a real player they'll have to give someone up. Minten is a guy who would get another team excited (he can play in the NHL today and is, at worst, a very high IQ two-way third line centre).
Cowan is the higher upside, higher risk on the downside play, so you have a prospect who would suit just about any selling team's fancy."
Both Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan are among the Leafs' top prospects, and as Bourne notes, they may be necessary to facilitate a trade.
Although Cowan hasn't yet suited up for the Maple Leafs in the NHL,
Minten has appeared in 15 games this season, recording 4 points, and 19 games total over the last two seasons.
Minten has proven to be a reliable player, and he could be a solid fit for the third-line center role in the near future. However, his development timeline may not align with the Leafs' "win-now" mentality.
While both players have promising futures, the Leafs may find it worthwhile to trade one of them for an established 2C or 3C, especially if they're serious about pursuing the Stanley Cup this season.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
POLL |
FEVRIER 1 | 2361 ANSWERS Toronto Reporter Makes Bold Prediction Involving Leafs Prospects Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan Should the Maple Leafs trade Easton Cowan or Fraser Minten for a center? |
Yes | 1080 | 45.7 % |
No | 1281 | 54.3 % |
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