The Leafs and Kyle Dubas were very high on Fraser Minten when they drafted him 38th overall in the 2022 entry draft. So high, in fact, that they had him listed as a first round pick. The 6'1 center from B.C. has been lights out this season in the WHL for Kamloops since returning from a wrist injury that he suffered during Leafs training camp.
In 50 games so far this season Minten has scored 27 goals and registered 58 points for Kamloops, with last night's first period goal being similar to ones scored by none other than Leafs superstar, Auston Matthews. Even with Kamloops going all-in as they host the Memorial Cup this year and Minten being pushed down the lineup at times, he has still been able to produce at more than a point-per-game and has shown vast improvement over where he was last season.
With Kamloops up 1-0 late in the first last night, Minten picked up the puck just inside his own blueline and skated through center, crossing into the Everett Silvertips' zone before using Matthews' patented curl and drag shot to beat the outstretched stick of the Silvertips' defender, beating the goaltender on the glove side.
