The Toronto Maple Leafs prospect was named captain of the Kamloops Blazers after being reassigned to the WHL.

After a four-game stint to start the season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Fraser Minten is back with the Kamloops Blazers and ready to lead by example. The 2022 second-round pick is just one of 11 players from his draft class to play a game at the NHL level so far and is the only player from the class drafted out of the WHL to have made their NHL debut. A hard-working center who is always looking at ways to improve his game, he now returns to the WHL, ready to showcase everything he learned as a member of the Maple Leafs. 

Overall, Minten played well with the Leafs, going 18 for 37 in the draw and recording three hits in just over 46 minutes of ice time. As he explains, it was a dream come true but also a learning experience. 

"It's been a thrill, for sure," said Minten. "Getting in those NHL games was a dream come true there and then a lot of different experiences over the course of those two weeks playing versus being scratched, being on the road, being at home, getting sent back and playing. It's been a whirlwind, for sure."

Playing in a hockey-crazy market like Toronto can be intimidating for some. From the intense media presence to the weight of wearing the historic Maple Leaf jersey, it can be a lot for a 19-year-old making their NHL debut. As Minten describes, he was ready to embrace the challenge and show everyone in Toronto that he was ready to make the jump to the NHL. 

"It's everything you could dream up as a kid who wants to play in the NHL. There's so many eyes on you, but you love it. You know, you'll want to go out there and perform, and I had so much fun being there and hope to get back there as soon as I can."

Upon returning to the Blazers, Minten was given the honour of becoming the team's captain. He takes over from Logan Stankoven, who has moved on to the AHL after a historic career in Kamloops. While being the captain of any team comes with added pressure, he is ready to lead by example and help lead the Blazers back to the postseason. 

"It means a lot that the guys and the coaches have that trust in me, and I think that I'm a good guy for that role. It's something I don't take lightly, and I'm just gonna be myself and work as hard as I can."

One event on Minten's radar this season is the World Juniors, set to take place in a few weeks. If selected, it would be the first time in his career that he has played for Team Canada at an international tournament. While many experts believe his spot on the roster is sealed, he is focused on continuing to prove that he deserves the opportunity. 

"Definitely thinking about it. It has been a goal of mine for a few years here now, and want to make it happen. It would be amazing, and so just trying to play as well as I can here."

One of the coaches who will be behind the bench for Team Canada is his coach in Kamloops, Shaun Clouston. As Minten explains, having coaches like Clouston and Don Hay, who are both part of the 500-win club at the WHL, has been a massive advantage in his development up to this point. 

"They're awesome coaches. I've learned a lot on the mental side, Just about being able to really dial in your habits and your performance on a daily, consistent basis. Hazer (Don Hay) only worked with last year for the first time, but he's been super supportive. He's always preaching, always learning. He's always trying to learn himself. You know, he's asking the Toronto Maple Leafs dev staff for drills himself, and he's always doing video with the guys whether you're doing well or not, helping you get to the next level on your game. So both of them are amazing."

While he has only played two WHL games so far this season, Minten is showing why he is one of the league's top centers. He is already up to 17 shots, is 43 for 70 in the faceoff dot and has helped Kamloops pick up three of a possible four points. If he continues to play at this level, not only will he be a massive part of Team Canada at this year's World Juniors, but he should once again be part of the Maple Leafs' opening night roster for the 2024-25 season.