Brad Treliving's Smart Strategy Softens the Blow of Losing Fraser Minten
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving may have gotten some flak for trading Fraser Minten however a deeper look into his signings show he may have already been replaced.
Last season at the trade deadline, the Toronto Maple Leafs made the tough decision to send Fraser Minten to the rival Boston Bruins in exchange for shutdown defenseman Brandon Carlo.
It was a solid deal for the team given their need for a defensive partner for Morgan Rielly, and they already had Easton Cowan and Minten was deemed expendable (although he already impressed in his short NHL stint).
But with him in Boston now, and looking like he could be a serious everyday player this season, fans could be a bit frustrated that the Maple Leafs once again let a player slip away before he could end up breaking out.
How Toronto Drastically Improved Their Center Depth After Minten Trade
Though according to one analyst it might have just been a lack of depth that created such hype around Minten.
With the additions of Nic Roy, Luke Haymes, Jacob Quillan, Mirslav Holinka, Tinus Luc Koblar, and Tyler Hopkins all through trades, free agency or the draft; the pipeline down the middle is shockingly deep.
We went from last year having Joseph Blandisi, Nick Abruzzese, Alex Steeves, and Roni Hirvonen all taking licks at center last season, but none of them really pushed towards making the team; and didn't really fit the mould.
But you have legitimate two-way forces in Haymes and Quillan, Holinka's potential is through the roof, Koblar is raw although an enticing player with a unique skillset, and Hopkins might be the steal of the 2025 draft.
Why Losing Fraser Minten Doesn't Hurt Toronto As Badly
If fans were excited that Minten can step in as a potential 3/4C, then they should seriously focus on guys like Haymes and Quillan; both who made a big name for themselves at the Prospect Showcase this past weekend.
Minten was definitely more of a defensively savvy forward but could put up points for sure; both Haymes and Quillan offer the same type of game and youth upside, while Roy and Scott Laughton can hold things down at the NHL level.
It was a weird situation last year for Minten and Toronto. While he impressed fans and coaches in his 14 games with the Leafs, the team decided against using him as their consistent bottom-six center and elected to have David Kampf and Max Domi/Laughton instead.
Once the team brought in Laughton, the writing was on the wall for Minten when it came to his trade protection, and that if the team was willing to bring in an NHL veteran who better suits the system; he was going to be an unfortunate casualty.
But all is not lost for the Maple Leafs. They have built themselves quite a solid foundation of pivots who offer a well-rounded mix of offense, defense, and tenacity.
It's just a shame that Minten isn't going to be part of that group going forward.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 14 | 1287 ANSWERS Brad Treliving's Smart Strategy Softens the Blow of Losing Fraser Minten Do you think Toronto is going to regret trading Fraser Minten? | ||
| Yes | 757 | 58.8 % |
| No | 530 | 41.2 % |
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