Bruins Rookie Fraser Minten Emerges as Key Contributor in Breakout Season
BOSTON, January 29, 2026 – Boston Bruins rookie centre Fraser Minten delivered another crucial performance on Wednesday night, scoring a goal against the Philadelphia Flyers to continue his impressive debut campaign. The 21-year-old has become an unexpected cornerstone for the Bruins, playing in all 55 games this season and ranking sixth among all NHL rookies in scoring.
From Toronto “Maybe” to Boston “Must-Have”
Minten’s journey to becoming a regular NHL contributor has been anything but linear. Drafted 38th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2022, he played just 15 games with the club before being traded to Boston at last season’s trade deadline. The Bruins acquired Minten in a deal that sent veteran defenceman Brandon Carlo to Toronto, a move that initially raised eyebrows but has since paid significant dividends.
“He’s young. He’s fresh. He’s brought a fresh approach up front to Bruins,” said one team insider. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound power forward has used his size and speed to become difficult to knock off the puck, traits that have made him a coach’s dream according to Boston coaching staff.
Clutch Performances Define Rookie Campaign
Minten’s ability to deliver in key moments has been particularly notable. On Saturday, he scored the game-tying goal and added an assist in a 4-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens. He also cashed in on a 2-on-1 late in the third period in a recent 5-3 victory over his former team, the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Over his last seven games, Minten has recorded five points, including four goals and two assists in a recent six-game stretch. His Tuesday performance against the Dallas Stars, where he scored on one of two shots in a 6-2 loss, demonstrated his consistent offensive contributions even in defeat.
Season Statistics & Impact
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 55 (All Bruins games this season) |
| Goals | 11 |
| Points | 21 |
| Shots on Net | 64 |
| Hits | 93 |
| Blocked Shots | 32 |
| Plus/Minus | +14 |
| Average Ice Time | 14:43 |
Overcoming Adversity
Minten’s path to the NHL was nearly derailed by injury. Ahead of the 2024-25 season, he suffered a high ankle sprain in an exhibition game against the Montreal Canadiens in September 2024 that sidelined him for an extended period. His resilience through rehabilitation and subsequent performance in the WHL with the Kamloops Blazers, where he served as captain and put up ten points in a lightning-fast start, demonstrated his character and determination.
The Bruins’ decision to keep Minten on their roster rather than reassigning him to junior hockey has proven wise. He currently centres Boston’s third line and has become an integral part of both the power play and penalty kill units.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Fraser Minten drafted?
Minten was selected 38th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. He was traded to the Boston Bruins in March 2025.
What is Minten’s playing style?
At 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, Minten is a power forward who combines size with surprising speed. He’s difficult to knock off the puck and has shown an ability to deliver in clutch situations, particularly in the third period of close games.
How does Minten rank among NHL rookies?
Through 55 games, Minten ranks sixth among all NHL rookies in scoring with 21 points (11 goals, 10 assists). His +14 rating is among the best for first-year players, and his 93 hits demonstrate a physical element to his game.
What was Minten’s junior hockey background?
Minten played for the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers, where he served as team captain. He was originally selected by Kamloops in the fourth round (72nd overall) of the 2019 WHL Bantam Draft.