The Toronto Maple Leafs are in the market to acquire a centre at the NHL Trade Deadline this year. However, have they already found that missing piece with Fraser Minten?
Drafted No. 38 overall in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs, Fraser Minten has turned into a nice surprise for a second-round pick.
After having a fantastic junior career, Fraser's professional career has started off very nicely as well.
The 20-year-old started the 2023-24 season with the Leafs, before spending his final year of junior elgibility with the Kamloops Blazers and Saskatoon Blades. Slated as more of a two-way forward at the NHL level, Minten still put up very respectable offensive numbers in junior, as well as professionally thus far.
Sure, he only has two goals and four points in 16 games during his Leafs tenure, but with the Toronto Marlies, he has five goals and 10 points in 16 games, showing some offensive prowess.
GM Brad Treliving mentioned last week that the team is looking at aquiring a centreman, as they're trying to improve their 3C position. With John Tavares currently out of the line-up, the team's depth has been troubled, as Pontus Holmberg is currently slotted as the 2C, which is unacceptable.
Fraser Minten Deserves To Stay With Leafs All Season
However, the one positive note that has come from the Tavares injury is that Minten may be the best possible addition as 3C, instead of looking at a trade. In Monday night's win against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Leafs third line looked great as Minten centred a line between Max Domi and Nick Robertson.
When you think of that line, it kind of makes perfect sense. Minten is a two-way forward, who has a high hockey IQ, is defensively responsible and as a result, can help hide the defensive issues that Domi and Robertson may run into. Minten's one negative is that he's not a huge offensive driver, but that's what Domi and Robertson are there for.
Speaking of hockey IQ, Domi's elite hockey sense and playmaking skills are his best attribute, so he's always going to be able to find the open player. As for Robertson, his best skillset is his elite shot and ability to rip home a puck, so the three of them blend together very well.
Even head coach Craig Berube recognized that line (specifically Minten) after the game. It was an impressive return to the NHL for the young centre.
Minten got into the line-up because Max Pacioretty was hit in the head with a puck, but I hope that he can stay in the line-up when Pacioretty is healthy because I really think that line of Minten, Domi and Robertson could work, especially as a high-energy line in the playoffs.