Fraser Minten Shines as Ex-Maple Leafs Prospects Impact New Teams in NHL

Maple Leafs Trade Impact

In March, the Toronto Maple Leafs made a significant trade, sending defenseman Fraser Minten, along with a first-round draft choice that is protected for the top five picks in 2026, to the Boston Bruins for Brandon Carlo. Now, just days into the new NHL season, it’s apparent that the decision is already paying dividends for the Bruins.

Fraser Minten’s Performance

Minten, who is in his second season with Boston, played a pivotal role in their recent 4-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks by scoring the decisive goal in overtime. After joining the Bruins late last season, Minten worked hard in training camp and earned a spot on the roster after just six games with the team.

Bruins’ Strong Start

Meanwhile, the Bruins, who faced a disappointing end to last season by missing the playoffs for the first time in nine years, are off to a strong start this year at 2-0-0, aided by the talented player the Maple Leafs drafted 38th overall in 2022.

Other Players Making Waves

It’s worth noting that Minten isn’t the only player previously associated with the Maple Leafs making waves in the league. Nikita Grebenkin, picked up by the Philadelphia Flyers in the deal that sent Scott Laughton to Toronto, also secured a place on an NHL opening roster. However, he was a healthy scratch in Philly’s season opener, which resulted in a loss against the Florida Panthers. Grebenkin expressed his eagerness to contribute, stating:

“I want to win every game.”

Challenges for the Maple Leafs

For the Leafs, Laughton has been sidelined since sustaining a lower-body injury during a preseason match and is currently listed as week-to-week. His absence has impeded fellow prospect Easton Cowan from starting the season in a prime fourth-line position alongside Laughton and Steven Lorentz. There’s hope that Cowan may find his moment to shine when the team travels to Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena to face off against the Red Wings this Saturday.