Ex-Maple Leafs' Fraser Minten Is Finding His Game in Boston

Something interesting is happening in Boston, and Toronto Maple Leafs fans should pay attention. Fraser Minten, the young forward the Maple Leafs traded to the Bruins in the deal for defenceman Brandon Carlo, is beginning to look like he belongs. At 22, he's producing offensively, earning his teammates’ trust and apparently finding his voice in the Boston dressing room.

Minten has become a point-a-game player with the Bruins.

On Tuesday night, Minten scored twice in Boston's 6-3 win over the San Jose Sharks. That gave him four goals and seven points through seven games this season. Those are good numbers for any young forward, but what makes the story more interesting is that his teammates are noticing more than his scoring. Boston's win offered another glimpse of a player who appears to be growing into a bigger role.

Charlie McAvoy, one of Boston's established leaders, spoke about Minten's development after the game. He pointed to the young forward's maturity, growing confidence, and ability to help settle things down when a game gets hectic. The Bruins want Minten involved in their leadership group, and McAvoy made it clear that the team expects to lean on him. That's pretty meaningful praise for a player still establishing himself in the NHL.

The season is still young, but Minten is developing into something the Maple Leafs could use.

Of course, seven games don't make a career. Young players can have hot stretches, and the real test is whether Minten can maintain his production while handling the less glamorous responsibilities of playing centre. Still, his early-season performance suggests that Boston sees more than a useful young forward. It sees someone who could become an important part of the team's future.

For Maple Leafs fans, there's an obvious complication. Minten was part of the package Toronto sent to Boston for Carlo. The first-round pick included in that trade eventually became the selection Toronto used to draft Gavin McKenna. That's an unusual twist, and it makes the original deal even more interesting to revisit.

I sort of get the logic for the Minten trade. At the time, the Maple Leafs had reasons to want Carlo, and nobody knows exactly how Minten would have developed had he stayed with the Maple Leafs. Young players need opportunity, and sometimes they find it in a different organization.

Did the Maple Leafs mortgage their future by moving prospects?

But I do think Minten is worth watching. His goals are encouraging, but McAvoy’s comments might be even more interesting. Scoring can get a young player noticed. Earning the trust of veteran teammates can help him build a career.

The Maple Leafs have moved on, and Minten has a chance to grow with a division rival. For now, we can simply appreciate a young player finding his way. The longer-term verdict on the trade can wait.