Rest assured, before the Toronto Maple Leafs started their preseason they were not expecting a couple of teenagers to turn heads and make a serious run at earning a roster spot.
The Toronto Maple Leafs likely expected both Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan to make an appearance in a game or two, get a taste of NHL hockey, and then return to their respective junior teams.
Then, the games started and everyone surrounding the Leafs took notice of their performance. Both players earned extra game appearances as other challengers for roster spots were assigned elsewhere.
Ultimately, the play of Minten, in particular, left the Leafs with a hard decision to make when filling out their final roster in preparation for their season opener against the Montreal Canadiens.