Minten’s maturity, wisdom continue to make a mark on Maple Leafs

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Getting to know Fraser Minten on the fly hasn’t been an issue for Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube.

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We still have to see what lies in Minten’s immediate hockey future once the Leafs start getting forwards back from injury, including captain Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies. But there’s no denying the impression Minten continues to make.

If the Leafs eventually decide Minten is here to stay rather than return him to the Toronto Marlies, the roots of that are taking shape.

In his first season behind the Toronto bench, Berube already has lots of trust in the 20-year-old.

“It goes back to a great draft pick and finding a player that is so responsible at a young age,” Berube said on Sunday morning. “You guys aren’t on the bench, but just hearing him talk on the bench and how he sees the game — he says all the right things.

“You don’t see young guys do that very often, and he’s already doing that at a young age and with little experience. It’s great to see and it’s refreshing.”

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Since he was drafted in the second round of the National Hockey League draft at 38th overall by the Leafs in 2022, Minten’s development has taken big steps. He was expected to be in the fight for a spot in camp before an ankle injury suffered in a rookie game in September stalled the start of his season, and if he does wind up going back to the Marlies after he was recalled last week, you’d think he will get another shot with the Leafs at some point later in 2024-25.

Veteran defenceman Morgan Rielly has become a mentor for Minten and knows the importance of helping guide the youngster.

“He’s a smart player, understands the game, understands his role, and is just a great young man,” Rielly said. “He has a great head on his shoulders. He fits right in.

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“It’s on us now as his teammates to make him feel comfortable and help with the transition. It’s not easy. There’s going to be really good days, like he had the other night (in scoring his first NHL goal against Vegas), and then there’s going to be tougher days. It’s about the big picture and learning and pushing through.

“There are plenty of guys in (our) locker room that people look at as being superstars, or have had long, great careers. They’ll be the first to tell you that it’s not always easy. (Minten) has a good support network in our locker room.”

The relationship between Rielly and Minten is strong. Both have West Vancouver roots, and Minten was at Rielly’s house for Thanksgiving dinner in the fall of 2023 when he learned he made the Leafs out of camp. Minten played in four games with the Leafs before he was sent back to the Western Hockey League.

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“He has been amazing,” Minten said. “We have a lot in common, being from the same place.

“He took me under his wing a little bit, and been super nice. It just makes it easy when you’re coming in at 18, 19 and there’s a guy who’s coming to talk to you, and being a supportive guy and friend. He has been awesome.”

WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE

Nikita Grebenkin’s command of English has come a long way.

“Maybe five months ago, my English have zero,” the 21-year-old Russian forward uniquely put it on Sunday. “I use only hello and bye. Toronto help me and give me coach in English. I speak maybe 35 hours, and my English is very better. Every day better and better.”

Grebenkin didn’t have a difficult time looking back on his NHL debut last week against Vegas, noting the communication between the Leafs on the bench.

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“It’s nice team,” Grebenkin said. “Five guys go straight, five guys go back (on the ice). Whole team speak every time, and I like it. You don’t sit and only see hockey. Every time (guys) speak, ‘Let’s go, let’s keep going.’”

There’s no doubt that the Leafs are learning what they’re getting in Grebenkin, who was drafted by Toronto in the fifth round, 135th overall, in 2022. While he might not be ready for a full-time NHL role yet — and the Leafs aren’t going to have a bunch of injured forwards forever — Grebenkin’s energy and skill are serving notice to what he should provide on a consistent basis in the future.

“Great personality,” Rielly said. “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 loves hockey, loves to be here and work hard. He has been a lot of fun.”

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LOOSE LEAFS

Taking into account that brothers William and Alex Nylander are now teammates with the Leafs, did Rielly ever get a chance to play hockey with his older brother Connor? “I don’t think he’d be offended if I said this, but we were playing at different levels, so no,” Rielly said with a smile. “But we did everything together. We played some street hockey, but we never played on the same team.” … Minten, an avid reader, was asked what he has the go now. “The Dan Brown books, The Da Vinci Code, that series,” Minten said. “Good page-turner. Just trying to chill out and enjoy some books.”

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