Fraser Minten, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ highly touted center prospect, was spotted back on the ice Thursday morning, working with the development staff ahead of the team’s optional practice. Drafted 38th overall in the second round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, Minten turned heads with his rapid development at the 2023 training camp, where his impressive performance earned him a spot on the Leafs’ opening night roster as their third-line center.

The Vancouver native played four games with the Leafs before salary cap constraints forced his return to Kamloops of the WHL. A few weeks later, Minten was traded to the Saskatoon Blades. He later captained Team Canada at the World Junior Championships, raising expectations for another strong camp performance this year.

However, Minten’s hopes for this season were dampened by an unfortunate injury during the prospect tournament. A cross-check from a Montreal Canadiens prospect sent him crashing awkwardly into the boards, resulting in a high ankle sprain that sidelined him for over a month and caused him to miss the entire Leafs’ training camp.

Though there’s no exact timeline for his return, coach Craig Berube hinted that Minten is “getting close” to being game-ready. His impending return poses a dilemma for general manager Brad Treliving and head coach Berube, as the Leafs face a tight salary cap situation and several injured players—Calle Järnkrok, Connor Dewar, and Jani Hakanpää—are nearing their returns.

Should the Leafs want to give Minten another trial run on the active roster, they’d need to clear space by sending a player down to the Marlies, with waiver-exempt Matthew Knies and Dennis Hildeby as possible candidates. Although starting the season with the Marlies seems likely for Minten, a mid-season recall remains a possibility, especially if he continues to impress. Fans will have to wait and see where the talented young center will land next.