Right now, the Kamloops Blazers are in the midst of defending their home ice for the 2023 Memorial Cup as host city and one of two WHL teams vying for the big win. For Toronto Maple Leafs fans and those involved with the organization, there’s one player in particular who probably have their eyes set, however, when it comes to playing the Blazers in the championship – Fraser Minten.
The Maple Leafs drafted Minten in the second round, 38th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, and has since seen a player develop into an eventual NHL talent — something the Maple Leafs management team recognized well in the Blazers’ run to the Memorial Cup championship.
Mint is making great strides in the maple leaf
Also on the team are assistant general manager and former Canadian Olympic star Hayley Wickenheiser who also attends the Memorial Cup representing the Maple Leafs.
When asked about Minten and its development, Wickenheiser has noticed how much it has grown Since he was drafted by the Maple Leafs in 2022.
He’s a very mature kid. He was a consistent starter all year with Kamloops. He has a good frame and a good shot. He certainly stands out well in an NHL player. I just work with him to improve his size, strength and speed, but kid – he’s a student of the game. He is very respectful. He is easy to handle and works hard at his game to keep improving. We really love him.
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In his first season since being drafted, he not only took a leadership role with the Blazers ‘A’ wearing the team, but improved his total offensive points from 55 points in 67 games in 2021-22 to an impressive 31 goals and 67 points in 57 Regular season match. He added four more points in 10 playoff games and has one goal in two tournament matches so far.
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Menten finished fourth on the team in scoring during the regular season and tied for third on the team in goals — but his shot may have caught the attention of many this season. He was a much improved fast release that got him into the 30-goal club.
Menten’s future is bright, but not immediate
the Maple Leafs signed Minten He signed a three-year entry-level contract in October 2022 during his draft. While his size and strength is one notable area of growth that Wickenheiser mentioned in her interview, he’s thrown his body more this season adding that element to his game on a more consistent basis.
His game off the puck has also become a notable aspect of his game, as he has developed into a solid presence at the net front as he demonstrated in the Blazers’ championship game against OHL’s Peterborough Petes.
He remains the only prospect for the Maple Leafs in the late stages of May, but it gives the organization plenty of time to watch his game and look for areas to improve over the next year.
Wickenheiser also noted that he’s progressing nicely as an NHL player at some point down the road, but he’s holding back the excitement for now. With the change in senior management within the organization and prospects available to the club – including guys like Bobby McMann and Nick Robertson – Minten is still at least a season or two away from breaking the NHL roster. However, don’t sleep on him if he continues the trend as he is this season – and watch his shot.
Blazers, Menton, back in action for the Memorial Cup
As for what the immediate future holds for Minten and the Blazers, the team was back in action Wednesday night in the Memorial Cup tournament against their WHL foes – the Seattle Thunderbirds.
The game is very important in the tournament with the two teams going 1-1-0 in the tournament with the Blazers having the best goal difference at the moment. Even though he has only scored one goal in the tournament so far, Minten is sure to play an important role in how the rest of the championship pans out for the Blazers.
One thing is for sure, aside from the news of the Maple Leafs’ new general manager in Brad Treliving, all Leafs Nation will be contacted for the rest of the Minten tournament.