Photo credit: Luther Schlaifer-Imagn Images
Fraser Minten has emerged as a potential top-six forward but feels he can play wherever needed — and Maple Leafs fans may feel extremely disappointed.
They have Easton Cowan and Ben Danford in the pipeline, and there are some intriguing names like Tinus Luc Koblar and Victor Johansson, but no real NHL-ready prospects.
Fraser Minten just loves being in the show
Granted, the team made a decent push but a second round collapse meant it ended another season in disappointment.
Though the Maple Leafs fans may be a bit more upset over the fact they lost a potential top-six forward but according to Minten himself; he just wants to play.
When asked about the potential of him being in the top-six, Minten humbly mentioned he could be on the first, fourth, or press box — wherever Boston needs him he’s there:
I just want to play in the NHL. Play me wherever. I don’t care.
The reason this quote would hit a little harder for Maple Leafs fans is the fact that well, he was in the NHL already for Toronto and was a pretty solid asset in his minimal time.
Toronto unequivocally lost the Carlo/Minten trade
And looking now, the team desperately needs a player who can be the kind of versatile and productive forward who can play anywhere in the lineup.
Instead, the team bought high on Brandon Carlo and while he hasn’t been downright awful, a foot injury and a lack of previous shutdown defense has hurt his case a lot.
Now with the team dead in the water in the Atlantic Division, they are thinking of a retool — a retool which Minten could have played a huge role in going forward.
In 55 games, Minten has 29 points (15 goals, 14 assists) while at an astounding plus-20. His defense has never been an issue but the over 0.5 PPG is impressive.
For now, the Maple Leafs fans are not going to be too happy with things as they turned out; getting fleeced a second time by Boston.
But for Minten? It doesn’t matter where he plays as long as he’s in the NHL.
Previously on Hockey Patrol