Checking in on Fraser Minten and Nikita Grebenkin

While Easton Cowan has yet to make his NHL debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs, there are some former Toronto prospects who have put on a show for their respective teams. Nikita Grebenkin found his way to the Philadelphia Flyers in the Scott Laughton trade, and Fraser Minten made his way to the Boston Bruins in the Brandon Carlo trade.

Let’s take a look at whether the Leafs regret letting them go and how they have performed this offseason.

Grebenkin is coming

If you watched Flyers preseason coverage, one kept showing up: Nikita Grebenkin. The 22-year-old winger came over via trade from Toronto at last season’s deadline and has been leaning into his opportunity in Philadelphia.

In preseason and camp action, Grebenkin did the little things that coaches and scouts love. He’s skated with veterans like Sean Couturier and Travis Konecny, showing that he can hold his own in NHL action. In fact, in the Flyers’ last preseason game, he played on their top line and picked up an assist by screening the goalie in front of him. In the preseason season finale, he tallied an assist in the 4–3 (shootout) win over New Jersey.

Other than the stats, he made winning plays—getting to loose pucks, battling in corners, and collecting in front of the crease. He’s also begun to grasp what Tocchet wants out of him: be physical, throw bodies into the crease, support plays, and don’t think too much. There are a number of preseason stories that have labelled him as a “stock up” player—someone who’s raised his profile during camp.

But nothing is guaranteed. Some experts caution that Grebenkin’s decision-making needs to become sharper, focusing on cutting turnovers, winning defensive zone battles, and being consistent night after night. And as a bubble player, his margin for error is smaller: veteran forwards or established players can bump him aside if they play better during camps.

Grebenkin didn’t play in the Flyers’ season opener, but made the team out of camp. He will likely get into their next game.

Minten could be a huge loss

Across the ice, Fraser Minten made waves in Bruins camp as well. Picked up by Boston in the trade for Brandon Carlo, Minten comes to Boston with potential and a little pressure to deliver.

Through practices and preseason games, Minten caught the eye of head coach Marco Sturm, who named him as one player who’s “surprised me in a positive way.” Sturm has credited Minten as being reliable, mature beyond his years, and professional-like in his play.

What is most intriguing is that Minten seems to be filling in a void for Boston. There is some uncertainty at the third-line centre spot, and Minten’s willingness to compete, defensive play, and face-off ability make him an attractive asset at the back end of the lineup. And he’s played both games as the Bruins’ 3C, scoring the OT winner in their second game of the season. Minten has looked every bit an NHLer and is going to be a really, really good forward for a long time. Brandon Carlo has to be a key piece for the Leafs for this trade not to bite them.

Still, as with any first-year player, there’s a ceiling (and floor) to keep in mind. Minten’s offence isn’t quite top-shelf yet—his early role might demand more defence than scoring ability from him. He’ll be counted on in low-leverage situations, show he can defend himself, and also show enough “pop” beyond just the plays he can consistently make.

Hefty prices to pay

It’s early, but Grebenkin and Minten are becoming impossible to ignore. Grebenkin’s rise in Philadelphia is based on physical tools, net presence, and growing comfort with his way of playing. Minten’s case in Boston rests on consistency, defensive skills, and coaching staff buy-in.