Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving makes his feelings known about the idea of $2,449,998 rookie returning for Toronto

The Toronto Maple Leafs maintain their top spot in the NHL's Atlantic Division, but things haven't been perfect. Right now, their center depth has been stretched thin, and the thought has been that the Leafs could further utilize young forward Fraser Minten at the center position rather than acquiring outside reinforcements.

Minten, the 38th overall pick by the Leafs in the 2022 draft, was sent down to the AHL affiliate Toronto Marlies in December. He is currently on a three-year, $2,449,998 contract, per PuckPedia.

According to Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving, he holds Minten in high regard but isn't committing to playing him more or acquiring outside help.

"Is Fraser coming in ahead of somebody from the outside? I don't know," Treliving said on Monday. "Because I don't know who that person is from the outside. So, those are all things that you balance all the time."

“Fraser’s having a real good year,” Treliving said. “He had a great start with us when he came up and I think you just saw the effects of a league on a young player. I think the world of Fraser. Is he a guy that can help us? I think he can help us. Is that now? Six months from now? A year from now? We continue to look at it every day.”

Minten has played in 11 games with the Leafs in 2024-25, scoring two goals while adding another two assists. He's also played 16 games with the American Hockey League affiliate Toronto Marlies, scoring five goals with five assists.

Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving previews the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline

With the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline now officially less than 60 days away, Maple Leafs fans are wondering if Treliving will be swinging a deal to bolster their roster in the hopes of making a prolonged postseason run.

But staying practical, Treliving noted that making trades isn't as easy as one can do while playing fantasy hockey.

"You need to have those good young players on entry-level deals and lower money. Those help you be successful as well, too. So it's a balance, but we'll continue to look to see what the marketplace, what's available there. And then ultimately what the cost is and see if there's any fits," Treliving said Monday, per The Hockey News.

There's also the matter of the Maple Leafs' salary cap situation and how they'll handle going about potential new contracts for forwards Mitch Marner and John Tavares, both of whom are able to become unrestricted free agents when the current season ends.

Both players have stated their preference to remain with the Leafs, but the uncertainty that comes with playing under a salary cap may force changes.