Former Leaf just got major NHL recognition after his latest surge

When Toronto traded Fraser Minten last year at the deadline, there were some cop eras it was already a bad deal although he hadn't played much at the NHL level.

Well, the premonition was correct as Minten has been on fire lately, and his latest offensive production has led him to earn a pretty prestigious award:

Minten was named the NHL's Rookie of the Month for January thanks to a month that started hot and never really let up.

In 14 games, Minten had 14 points (8 goals, 6 assists) with a plus-12 and zero PIM while averaging 15:05 TOI. He pushed his season totals to 29 points in 55 games (14 goals, 15 assists) to go along with a stellar plus-20.

Minten led all NHL rookies in goals (8) and tied for the lead in points (14) in January, also ranking first in even strength goals (7) and tied for second in even strength points (11) and power play points (3).

The rookie's 14 points in January ties the highest point total recorded by an NHL rookie in a calendar month this season -- tied with Montreal's Ivan Demidov.

Minten also posted a 32.% shooting percentage, highest among rookies as well. (Per NHL.com)

It's becoming apparent that the Maple Leafs have lost the Carlo/Minten trade and with every new accomplishment Minten notches on his belt, the worse Carlo's ineffectiveness looks.

Don't expect the Maple Leafs fans to get any reprieve from feeling like Minten's trade was a disappointment especially since he looks poised to be one of the Bruins' biggest pieces for the next decade.

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