Former Maple Leaf Prospect Now Poised to Become NHL Starting Center
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
It seems that the Maple Leafs might have some regret trading away Fraser Minten as he looks poised to be a breakout candidate for the Boston Bruins in 2025-26.
Last season's trade deadline was a stressful time for the Maple Leafs as they decided who best would fit their roster for a playoff push while also trying not to mortgage their future.
They were a tad unsuccessful given they traded away multiple first round picks and prospects, but the one that might hurt the most is getting rid of Fraser Minten. Traded for Brandon Carlo, Minten was arguably Toronto's most NHL-ready prospect who could have had a big role in 2025-26.
Fraser Minten Making A Case To Start Opening Night
But now he gets a chance to do so with the Bruins, and there is a very good possibility that with enough reps he could end up making Toronto regret getting rid of him.
He defends well, plays smart, does what he's asked to, wins face-offs, kills penalties, and can offer a touch of offense too. He's what you want out of a bottom-six forward, especially one so young into his career.
It's likely that he starts the third line for Boston this season, and to already be given such a prominent role with a lack of playing time shows how enticing he really is and why Boston targeted him specifically.
The Bruins are going to be looking to rebuild and Minten is going to play a big part in that, so putting him in the lineup right away is crucial for his development.
Why Toronto Might Regret Trading Fraser Minten
Minten could have been good in Toronto as a bottom-six option who was reliable, stable and perhaps a way the team could have moved on from David Kampf or Calle Jarnkrok a bit easier, but alas it was the price to pay to protect Morgan Rielly.
Minten had seven points in 11 games for Providence after being traded (4 goals, 3 assists) and added one goal in 6 games with the Bruins. In total between Toronto and Boston he had five points (3 goals, 2 assists) in 21 games meanwhile had 20 points in 37 AHL games (9 goals, 11 assists).
For a team who was sorely lacking in prospects, getting rid of Minten as well as Nikita Grebenkin was a tough call albeit a potentially necessary one. But they are also a team lacking true NHL-ready young talent; especially homegrown ones.
So it's tough to see Minten, a player who is likely going to excel in Boston, potentially torch Toronto for years to come.
It's the price you pay for immediate success, and the Leafs will need to deal with the consequences.
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