The Maple Leafs’ lack of forward depth is no secret. In a sense, they are somewhat directionless. Despite having offensively minded players such as Max Domi and Nick Robertson, the group has struggled immensely to score. Because of these offensively minded players, they are not a strong defensive group. They also lack discipline, too often testing out the Leafs’ penalty kill. Add that all up, and you have a Maple Leafs forward group that desperately needs a shakeup. Enter Fraser Minten and Nikita Grebenkin.
With the Maple Leafs dealing with numerous injuries up front, Minten and Grebenkin were recalled ahead of Wednesday’s win over Vegas. The early results were clear. The pair of Marlies brought energy — and more importantly — some offensive pop to Toronto’s lineup. Can these recently recalled Marlies rescue the Maple Leafs Forward Group? Let’s dive into it.
What’s Wrong With The Maple Leafs Forward Group?
They Can’t Score
The first shortcoming is the most obvious: the Toronto Maple Leafs bottom six can’t score! Bobby McMann leads the group with six goals and an assist, however, three of those goals came since Max Pacioretty’s injury forced McMann into Toronto’s top six. Max Domi — recently placed on IR — hasn’t scored a goal this season despite also spending some time filling in for Auston Matthews on the first line. Somehow, the Leafs have five forwards who have scored four points or less in 16 games or more. The Toronto Maple Leafs’ depth scoring is among the worst in the NHL, but at least they’re good defensively, right?
They Lack Matchup Ability
On the contrary, the Maple Leafs’ third and fourth lines struggle to match up against the opposing teams’ top lines. No configuration of forwards creates a true shutdown line in Toronto’s bottom six. They have some useful checking wingers in Bobby McMann and Steven Lorentz. However, they lack a two-way centre to anchor a checking unit.
Max Domi has played his best hockey in Toronto as an offensive winger. David Kampf and Connor Dewar are useful but better suited to the 4C role. Pontus Holmberg is the closest to fitting the role, but he has struggled this year. The Maple Leafs need another centre to optimize their bottom six.
Can Minten and Grebenkin Rescue the Maple Leafs Forward Group?
The combination of Toronto’s bottom six underperforming and a bevy of injuries has opened the door for multiple Toronto Marlies to make an impression on Craig Berube. Alex Steeves and Alex Nylander are long shots to earn a permanent promotion with the Maple Leafs. Fraser Minten and Nikita Grebenkin have a real chance to stick in the NHL.
Fraser Minten
Minten — drafted 38th overall in 2022 — has become a household name among the Maple Leafs’ prospect pool. He got a short NHL audition last season, before heading back to the WHL and notably captaining Canada in the World Juniors. After an injury killed his chances of making the Leafs in training camp, he impressed in his short AHL stint scoring four points in five games while playing on the Marlies’ top line.
Minten looked impressive in his second chance with the Leafs, sniping home his first NHL goal on a sweet feed from William Nylander. Minten ended the game with over 15 minutes of ice time, playing in all situations. Minten’s strong defensive play will endear him to Berube and the Leafs, and he offers more offensive upside than Holmberg, Kampf or Dewar. Minten will get a real shot to earn a full-time spot in the NHL, and if his last game was any indication, he’ll make it tough for the Leafs to send him back to the Marlies.
Nikita Grebenkin
Grebenkin is more of an unknown than Minten, both in where he came from and his style of play. Also drafted in 2022, the Leafs selected Grebenkin with pick #135 in the 5th round. The Grebenkin selection looked fantastic after he scored 26 points in 45 games as a rookie in the KHL in 2022-2023. Last season, Grebenkin continued to evolve, scoring 41 points in 67 games for Metallurg Magnitogorsk. He contributed six more points in the playoffs, helping Magnitogorsk capture the Gagarin Cup.
Grebenkin was rewarded with an entry-level contract and quickly made a name for himself in Toronto. Grebenkin impressed in the preseason, with his combination of skill, energy and fearlessness. The Russian was sent down to the Marlies, where he established himself as one of their top offensive players. He tallied 10 points in his first 13 games in North America, earning himself a call-up alongside Minten.
Grebenkin’s game may not be as polished as Minten’s, but he was still impressive against Vegas. Grebenkin brought a physical presence and came inches away from recording his first NHL point. Grebenkin is likely to spend more time with the Marlies before earning himself a full-time spot with the Maple Leafs, but he’s quickly established himself as a prospect to keep an eye on.
Who Makes Way?
If the Maple Leafs ever get healthy up front, they’ll have far too many NHL forwards. So, who will make way for Minten and Grebenkin?
Ryan Reaves
Ryan Reaves still has a role with this team, but it shouldn’t be a role that sees him playing every game. Reaves has zero goals, zero fights and one assist this season. He also put the team in a terrible position by laying a dirty hit on Darnell Nurse, which rightfully earned him a five-game suspension. Reaves should be rotating in and out of the press box at this point in his career.
Nick Robertson
Robertson is having a dreadful year offensively, with his one goal coming at the tail-end of a blowout loss in Columbus. With Pacioretty, Domi, Matthew Knies, and Calle Jarnkrok on IR, Robertson will likely get one final shot in Toronto’s top six. Barring a major resurgence, Brad Treviling should grant Robertson’s trade request.
David Kampf
Nothing new to report on Kampf. He’s still a useful player who makes too much on the cap for a fourth-line centre. His offence has never been a massive strength, but it’s fading even further this season. With Connor Dewar, Holmberg and Minten in the fold, Kampf is expendable.
Can Minten and Grebenkin Improve the Maple Leafs Forward Group?
It’s a tough ask for a couple of rookies to come in and rescue your bottom six. However, it’s clear that the Maple Leafs need to change the makeup of their bottom six forwards, and Minten and Grebenkin give them a chance to do just that.
Fraser Minten’s position, maturity and two-way ability give him an excellent chance to maintain a spot on the Leafs roster. It feels inevitable that Minten will take the Maple Leafs’ third-line centre job eventually, so why not give him an extended look right now?
Grebenkin likely needs to spend more time with the Marlies, especially as he’s still adjusting to the North American game. However, his rambunctious style and offensive upside will endear him to Craig Berube. If he doesn’t stick with the Maple Leafs now, don’t be surprised if they recall him again later in the season.
Do you think the recently recalled Marlies are the key to rescuing the Maple Leafs forward group? Let me know and stay tuned as Area 51 covers the rest of the NHL season.
