When the Boston Bruins traded defenseman Brandon Carlo to the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 7, it came as a bit of a surprise, given that they were trading a key player to a division rival. However, if you’re going to deal Carlo to a team within the division, the return has to be worthwhile.
In this case, the Maple Leafs made it worth it. Boston received prospect Fraser Minten, a player that Maple Leafs fans and analysts had high expectations for, along with a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft that is top-five protected. Minten was initially assigned to the Providence Bruins in the AHL, and after nearly a month with the team, he’s now set to return to the NHL.
Minten’s return to the NHL isn’t a first for the 20-year-old forward, who previously played 15 games for Toronto this season, registering two goals and four points. He also appeared in four games during the 2023-24 season. In his 10 games with Providence since the trade, Minten scored three goals (including a hat trick on March 16 against Springfield) and added four assists.
According to Jim McBride of the Boston Globe, Minten was centering the Bruins’ third line during their morning skate on Saturday ahead of their matchup with the Carolina Hurricanes that evening.
McBride also mentioned that Minten was centering newly acquired Marat Khusnutdinov and Vinni Lettieri. Minten was called up on an emergency basis, and in order to make room for him, Jeffrey Viel was sent back to the AHL.
Minten, selected 38th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, will be under close evaluation as the Bruins approach the final stretch of the regular season. His performance could play a role in the team’s roster decisions for the 2025-26 season during a crucial offseason for the front office.
