We drafted a future #3C
Left Handed C, 6'1" 185 lbs. North-South center with above-average intelligence and defensive abilities. Needs to round out his puck skills and add some finesse, but could become a middle-six forward at the NHL level.
Scouting report
Vancouver, BC product Fraser Minten has battled to get where he is at. A former fourth-round selection in the 2019 WHL Bantam Draft, Minten has become one of the top players on a highly skilled Blazers roster over the last season. He grew up playing for the West Van Academy. Much like Mats Lindgren, and many other WHL players, this was Minten’s first “full” 68-game regular season. Last season, he was of course forced to play a shortened season due to the COVID pandemic. In just 20 games, he compiled 18 points and was quick to make heads turn in the scouting world.
This past season, he registered 55 points (20 goals, 35 assists) in 67 games playing alongside fellow 2022 prospect Matthew Seminoff and 2023 prospect Connor Levis. Minten was a key component to the Blazers Conference Final run where he amassed 16 points in 17 playoff games. Minten can play all three zones reliably, with his work ethic and intangibles, there’s a lot to like about a player of his calibre.
Over at Smaht Scouting,
Matthew Somma talks about Minten’s elite defensive game:
Former Blazers general manager,
Matt Bardsley spoke very highly of Minten:
Over at The Athletic,
NHL Draft correspondent Scott Wheeler discusses Minten’s game:
One anonymous WHL source had this to say about Minten’s game:
There are a lot of things to love about Minten’s game, and if one thing is going to get him to the NHL, it’s his never quit attitude. He is not only a defensive specialist, much like Colorado Avalanche forward Atturi Lehkonen, but he has that offensive creativity that would allow for him to complete the third or fourth line, as well as assume a role on the special teams. With a number of WHL players available, Minten has established himself as a top-10 player to draft out of the WHL and would be a phenomenal pickup for the Flames.
The numbers
Minten’s successful season earned him the invitation to the CHL/NHL Kubota Top Prospects game in Kitchener, Ontario this past spring. While he did not register any points, he made himself noticeable shutting down rushes and playing an aggressive defensive game. This past season, his 55 points placed him 5th on the Blazers’ scoring leaderboard, he also tied for fifth in the goals column as well with 20 on the year. On the power play, he had 10 goals and 10 assists, once again pointing to Minten’s ability to play in all situations.