Fraser Minten is keeping it simple this season, and it’s paying off for the Boston Bruins forward.
In the weeks leading up to the 2025-26 NHL season, well before rookie camp and the first regular-season games, Minten, 21, was successfully navigating his work-life balance, enjoying the summer in his hometown in Vancouver, while preparing for what he hoped would be his first full NHL campaign.
A familiar formula guided his goal of achieving the latter.
“I had the same approach going in that I have had since I was about 18 or 19, when I was drafted,” Minten told NHLPA.com. “I was in Vancouver for a majority of the summer and there is a great group of guys – players, around my age – who are breaking into the league, so we train a lot. And then I hang out with friends and family and enjoy beautiful Vancouver in the summer.
“When it comes to getting ready for the season, it’s just sticking with what I’ve been doing.”
Originally drafted 38th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2022, Minten, who skated in 19 career games with Toronto, was traded to the Bruins on March 7, 2025.
He then suited up for the Providence Bruins, Boston’s American Hockey League affiliate, for 11 regular-season games in 2024-25, scoring three goals and seven points.
“When we lost in the playoffs in Providence to end last season, my focus was on making the NHL the next year. That’s what I had in my mind as motivation throughout the summer when I was training. As soon as camp started – it was rookie camp and then preseason – I tried to do as much as I could in those games and practices to show what I’ve got and build from there.”
Mission accomplished.
Minten has been a steady presence at both ends of the rink. In 72 games with the Bruins this season, he’s recorded 16 goals and 32 points, accompanied by a plus-22 rating.
“I started out with the goal of making the team. From there, it was continuing to build my role, gain more opportunities, earn trust and grow as a player. There was nothing specific, numbers-wise, I set a bar for. I wanted to be a player who was consistent at the NHL level, have a key part on the team and help the team win games.”
From low-risk decision-making to opportunistic offence, to excelling as a two-way centreman, Minten has been put in key situations – defensive-zone draws, late-game shifts and more – as the Bruins look to cement a spot in the post-season.
He’s ready to play his part in reaching that collective objective.
“The foundation of my game is to keep the puck out of our net, play good defence, structurally solid and be someone who can be trusted to be out there at any point in the game. I want to be a guy who can produce, too, so I am constantly looking at ways to do that. Doing what I can control is my priority every game. That has been the focus for years and that’s what I’ve tried to do this year.”
Minten’s ability to play up and down the lineup has helped hone his game.
“There is a great mix of guys, younger and more established players, and I have been fortunate to play with almost everybody at least once. When you are on a line with a certain guy, you get to know them better off the ice. [Tanner] Jeannot and [Mark] Kastelic, who I spent a lot of time playing with at the start of the year – they are hard-working, tough guys who are great people and have helped me a lot, giving me space out on the ice. David [Pastrnak] has taught me a lot about making plays, just seeing what he does and why that makes him such a special player.
“From all my teammates, the coaching staff – they have all helped me find my place in the most difficult league in the game and that has helped me do the same for the Boston Bruins.”
Minten’s answer as to whether there was game or moment that told him it was going to be the season he hoped for speaks volumes of his character and maturity.
“In this league, things can change so quickly and there are always going to be ups and downs. There is never a moment where you think, ‘Okay, this is going to be a good year.’ You have to do it the right way and the consistent way. It’s really been about being in the moment – not dwelling on a bad night and staying level-headed after a good night.”
“Try to have fun with it, that is my approach to hockey. And, also, to be grateful for the game and what it gives to you. Never cheat it and it will reward you.”
Just as it has in 2025-26.
Minten is feeling right at home.
“I love the city. In the summer, I love going to Red Sox games and spending time at Fenway Park. I live in the south part of the city and it’s a nice place to hang out with my teammates. I just love the charm and the feel of the whole city, and I love playing for this team and our fans.”
It’s a good bet the feeling is mutual.
(Feature photo courtesy of Getty Images)