Fraser Minten’s Stellar Performance Has Maple Leafs Second-Guessing Bruins Trade

The Toronto Maple Leafs may be kicking themselves after prospect Fraser Minten’s red-hot start with the Boston Bruins organization. 

In a bold move to bolster their defense for a deep playoff push, the Leafs traded Minten, along with multiple draft picks, to their Atlantic Division rivals in exchange for blueliner Brandon Carlo. 

The trade, which saw the Leafs send Minten, a 2026 first-round pick, and a 2025 fourth-round pick to Boston, was aimed at shoring up their defensive corps for a Stanley Cup run. 

"Fraser Minten is going to be one of the parts of the Brandon Carlo deal." - @FriedgeHNIC pic.twitter.com/wMlc8YyShA

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 7, 2025

However, Minten’s immediate impact with the Providence Bruins has Leafs fans wondering if the front office made the right call. 

Minten’s Rapid Rise in Boston

Since joining the Bruins’ system, Minten has been nothing short of electric. 

The 19-year-old forward recently notched a natural hat trick for the AHL’s Providence Bruins in a dominant performance against the Springfield Falcons, showcasing the offensive flair that made him a second-round pick (38th overall) in the 2022 NHL Draft.

And now Fraser Minten has his third goal of the game to complete the natural hat trick. Minten, No. 45 in white, wins the faceoff to Lysell, No. 22 in white, who dances around the attacking zone before putting the puck on net. Minten grabbed the rebound and scored. #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/40bsm09uHM

— Bruins Network (@BruinsNetwork) March 16, 2025

Minten, who split his time between the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers and the AHL’s Toronto Marlies before the trade, has already shown glimpses of his potential at the NHL level. In 19 games with the Leafs, he tallied four points, including a memorable first NHL goal just seconds into his debut shift earlier this season. 

Before the trade, Minten had 13 points (6 goals, 7 assists) in 26 games with the Marlies. Though he hit a rough patch in his final weeks with Toronto, his explosive performance in Providence is a clear sign that his offensive game is coming alive. 

As the Leafs gear up for what they hope will be a deep playoff run, the trade for Carlo could still pay dividends. But with Minten’s star on the rise, Toronto may soon find themselves wondering if the price they paid was too steep. 

One thing’s for sure: Fraser Minten is making it impossible to ignore what the Leafs gave up—and Bruins fans are loving every second of it. 

Image - Luther Schlaifer-Imagn