Minten was acquired by the Bruins from the Maple Leafs at the trade deadline as part of the return package for Brandon Carlo. He played 10 games with Providence after his arrival from Toronto, notching seven points (three goals, four assists).
“I think they went out and got me because they thought [my game] would translate well and I think it’s been going well so far just being a guy that plays well on both sides of the puck, closes plays and transitions them and plays sort of that reliable, consistent hockey that the Bruins want to play,” said Minten.
It has been a whirlwind first pro campaign for the 2022 second-round pick (38th overall). In 26 games for the Marlies this season, the Vancouver native had 13 points (six goals seven assists), while also suiting up for 15 games with the Maple Leafs, during which he posted 2-2—4 totals.
“I think it’s been good, I think it’s been kind of the whole taste of pro hockey in my first year which is good to get the reps as a young guy,” said Minten, who also played four games with the Maple Leafs at the end of the 2023-24 season. “Getting to understand how the business works, going up, going down a few times a season. Just trying to figure out what you can do to stick around and ultimately get to the NHL and stay there. Lots of good experiences. Definitely been helpful to my trajectory.”
The 6-foot-2, 195-pounder knows that at the pro level much responsibility – at both ends of the ice – comes with being a centerman.
“I noticed that in Toronto at the start of the year too, the centers in pro have a lot of responsibility, you’re sort of tasked to be everywhere in the defensive zone,” said Minten, who put up strong offensive numbers across four seasons in the WHL between Kamloops (58-92—150 in 151 games) and Saskatoon (3-7—10 in 36 games).
“I love it, I love getting the puck in the middle of the ice and being engaged all over the rink. It’s lots of fun.”
Interim head coach Joe Sacco said that to start out Minten will be tasked with more of a defensive role.
“For us, the reports we’ve gotten is he’s been a very reliable players, smart, heady player,” said Sacco. “We’re gonna throw him into a penalty kill role tonight…we’re just looking to see him play the game he’s been playing in Providence. He’s been playing well down there. It’s an opportunity for the organization to get a look at him.”
