Fraser Minten hopes to make an early impression on Bruins

BOSTON, Mass.

When Fraser Mintens name appeared on the Boston Bruins roster for this weekends Prospects Challenge in Buffalo, it was a mild surprise.The tournament is usually reserved for young players in organizations pipelines just getting their feet wet in pro hockey.

The 21-year-old Minten, a 2022 second round pick of Toronto acquired by the Bs in the Brandon Carlo trade, has played 25 NHL games between the Maple Leafs and the Bs.But his participation in the tournament was not exactly something that was internally debated.I got a phone call saying You will participate, Minten said with a chuckle.There was no argument from Minten.

He understands hes still new to the organization, having been acquired just last March at the deadline and he was not asked to participate at Development Camp in July.For them, they havent seen me play a ton, not as much as some other young guys so this gives me an extra chance for them to get a look at me and my game, said Minten.His inclusion in the tourney should in no way be translated as a negative in how the team views him.

The Bs believe he can be a solid middle-six NHL defenseman.

GM Don Sweeney, who delivered the directive that he play in the tournament, likened his skill set to that of Charlie Coyle when the trade was made.The tourney should also provide him with a springboard into the main camp, which opens on September 17.

Hes expected to push hard for a spot on the Boston roster.Its nice to get some game reps.

The first preseason game wont be my first game so that will be nice, said Minten.Every training camp is an opportunity to show what youve got.

Im going to let it play out and see what happens.

Im excited to do everything I can and play really good hockey.It has been a frenetic couple of seasons for Minten, in which he played for four different teams in each season.

In 2023-24, he played for two different junior teams, Kamloops and Saskatoon, the Canadian world junior team and the Leafs.

Last season, he played for the Leafs, Marlies (AHL), Boston and Providence (AHL).Hopefully therell be a little less turmoil this year, said Minten.

But I think its good.

Pro hockeys like that.

Youre on the move and youre an asset that gets moved around.

So to get to see that and understand that at a young age I dont think hurts.

But it gives you some motivation to really give yourself a good chance to stick somewhere.Providence coach Ryan Mougenel was impressed with Minten both from a professional person standpoint.Hes super young and you wouldnt know it if you talked to him.

His maturity as a person shows in his game as well, said Mougenel.

When you draft or you sign players, people are always willing to give input.

And my phone absolutely blew up with just random people who were connected in hockey, not connected in hockey that just fantastic things about Fraser.

And when you meet him, you could see why.

We got him at the deadline and he was part of the team immediately.

His teammates embraced him.

He embraced us.

Theres things in his game that hes got to get better at and he takes ownership in it.

This summer, hes put the work in and gotten himself into a real good spot here.

Thats part of it.

Now its time to execute.The thing that stands out in Mintens game is not any one skill such as speed or shot but rather his overall headiness and attention to detail, things that have allowed him to see some NHL experience at a young age.Thats a big part of my game, said Minten, who has added 10 pounds to his 6-foot-2 frame.

Im probably not scoring 30 goals, 30 assists in my rookie year in the NHL.

So its about being a guy being the first back on the backcheck, youre stopping and getting inside, all the details that go into it.

Faceoffs, penalty kill.

Thats always been something Ive been good at taken pride in, so Ill continue to put emphasis on that.Mougenel believes those details will protect him as he rises in his career and expects any coach to gravitate to his game because of it.

On the other hand, he wouldnt mind seeing him push the envelope offensively just a little bit more.We need him to take a little more polish to his game and not necessarily cheat for offense but embrace those opportunities when they present themselves, said Mougenel.While many people anticipate Minten making the team out of camp, the player is taking a more measured approach.Theres a lot of emphasis on making it on Day One, said Minten.

The media puts a lot of emphasis on if you make it or dont make it.

As a young guy, I think its important to have a good process and eventually youre time will come when youre ready.

And if not, you just keep working.

Youve got lots of years and time ahead....The Bs rookies will face their Penguin counterparts at 3:30 pm on Friday and the Devils at noon on Sunday.

Games can be viewed on bostonbruins.com..

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