Because the Toronto Maple Leafs head into the 2024-25 season, two of the most important questions surrounding their coaching camp and preseason are centered on their prime prospects: Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten. Each younger forwards could make the staff, however the true query is: will they?
Cowan, the Maple Leafs’ first-round decide in 2023, had a formidable season with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He set a franchise report with a 36-game level streak and completed the season with 96 factors. Because of his stellar efficiency, he was awarded the 2023-24 Pink Tilson Trophy, given to the OHL’s Most Excellent Participant. His offensive dominance has solidified his repute as one of many prime younger prospects within the league.
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Minten impressed throughout final season’s coaching camp, incomes a spot on the opening evening roster. This achievement made him the primary teenage second-round decide to take action with the Maple Leafs since Matt Stajan in 2003-04. Stajan, chosen 57th total within the 2002 NHL Draft, made the staff as a 19-year-old. Reflecting on Minten’s sudden success, Maple Leafs basic supervisor (GM) Brad Treliving mentioned, “There was the Leafs ghost roster, the Marlies (American Hockey League), and different. He was in different.”
How Will Cowan and Minten Do at This Preseason’s Coaching Camp?
All of it comes right down to how they carry out throughout coaching camp. New Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube is a key issue on this equation. Recognized for enjoying whoever he believes will make the perfect staff, no matter age or expertise, Berube might give Cowan and Minten an actual shot in the event that they impress.
So, what’s the cope with these two children? Will they carve out a spot within the lineup, or are they destined to spend extra time in growth? Elliotte Friedman just lately tackled this query, shedding mild on the prospects’ probabilities. Right here’s what he needed to say.
Friedman Speaks Particularly About Cowan and Minten
In a latest episode of the JD Bunkis Podcast, Elliotte Friedman mentioned the challenges and alternatives dealing with Maple Leafs prospects Cowan and Minten as they head into coaching camp. With a crowded roster, these younger gamers should make a stable impression to crack the lineup. Right here’s a breakdown of the important thing factors Friedman made about their probabilities.
Cowan Must Give the Leafs a Cause to Maintain Him
Friedman notes Cowan faces important competitors because of the Maple Leafs’ roster depth and up to date signings. Nevertheless, he stresses that this doesn’t imply Cowan is out of the operating.
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The Maple Leafs appear to be telling Cowan, “Give us a purpose to maintain you.” If Cowan can replicate his standout efficiency final yr and make his presence felt throughout camp, he might drive the Leafs to rethink their depth chart. Cowan is pressured to “knock on the door” and inform the teaching workers of his potential.
Minten: Mature Past His Years
Friedman additionally highlights Minten’s mature method to the scenario. Minten has been saying every little thing proper, notably about specializing in what he can management. Regardless of the extraordinary competitors, Friedman believes Minten’s composure and readiness might play to his benefit.
Whereas Minten may appear to be he might fly below the radar in comparison with Cowan, Friedman rapidly dismisses that notion. That is Toronto, in any case, and any competitors for a roster spot will likely be a giant story, particularly with younger gamers like Minten within the combine.
The Maple Leafs Need an Uncomfortable Camp
Based on Friedman, the Maple Leafs will deliberately create a extremely aggressive setting. By loading up the roster with contracts and veterans, they wish to develop early stress. The message is obvious: nobody ought to really feel snug about their spot.
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Friedman emphasizes that that is exactly the place prospects like Cowan and Minten come into play. It’s their job to make the veterans look over their shoulders and push for a spot. The staff’s administration is raring to see who steps up throughout this important time in camp.
No matter occurs, it ought to be an thrilling growth to look at because the preseason wears on.
