BOSTON — Marco Sturm is optimistic about the future of Fraser Minten, while Minten himself is simply focused on making an impact in the NHL. After the Bruins’ victory over the Flyers on Thursday, the rookie center expressed his eagerness, stating, “I just want to play in the NHL. Play me wherever. I don’t care.”
Minten has clearly outgrown the AHL, establishing himself as Boston’s third-line center this season. His performances have garnered praise from coaches, teammates, and fans alike. Demonstrating his versatility, Minten has excelled defensively, served as a reliable penalty killer, and exceeded offensive expectations.
“That’s always been what I do. A bit of both. Responsible and trustworthy,” he commented on his approach. “It’s a hard league to produce in. It takes time to figure out little things. Just trying to help out in every area.”
With Elias Lindholm sidelined due to injury, Minten had the opportunity to step up. He capitalized on the moment, scoring a goal and providing two assists in the Bruins’ commanding 6-3 victory, showcasing his ability to drive offensive play.
“He’s a heckuva player,” remarked Casey Mittelstadt, who played alongside Minten. “Very impressive for a young kid to fit in like that.”
Minten’s rapid ascent has sparked frustration among Maple Leafs fans. Many are left to ponder what could have been had the Bruins only traded for Minten and Brandon Carlo during last year’s trade deadline. The potential high reward of this trade is amplified by the fact that a first-round pick is also involved.
When asked about Minten’s future, Coach Marco Sturm acknowledged the rookie’s upside. “He’s only 21 years old. There’s still a lot to grow,” Sturm stated. “I’m just very, very happy with the way he’s been playing from the beginning of the year until now. I put him in different situations from the fourth line to the first line. You can see he can do it all. He definitely has something that a lot of people don’t have.”
Currently, Minten boasts an impressive tally of 14 goals and 15 assists, along with the best plus-minus rating among Bruins forwards at +20. Sturm believes further physical development will only enhance Minten’s game. “I think he just has to grow. He’s not a man yet. He’s still a kid. You can see it in his face. As soon as he gets a little bit bigger, he’s going to get faster too. And he’s got really good speed. I’m not concerned. That thing you can’t teach, he has it.”
With such a promising trajectory, Minten’s journey in the NHL is just beginning, and fans can look forward to witnessing his continued growth and contributions to the Bruins.