Fraser Minten Earns Spot on Bruins’ Third Line After Impressive Camp

BOSTON — The Boston Bruins announced their final preseason cuts on Sunday, with Fraser Minten securing a place on the team’s third line.

Minten, who joined the Bruins from the Toronto Maple Leafs, had a strong showing last season with six appearances. Previously, he made the Toronto varsity squad as a 19-year-old before returning to junior hockey. This offseason, Minten added 10 pounds to help him in the upcoming season.

“I expected myself to come in and take this spot,” said Minten during a team practice. “Happy about it. Just keep going. Keep going.” On Monday, he practiced as the team’s No. 3 center between Tanner Jeannot and Mikey Eyssimont, a role he had during the preseason finale against the New York Rangers.

Coach Marco Sturm expressed confidence in Minten, stating, “I like this kid. He played great. He came in ready to go. He did his job on and off the ice. I like him.”

Last season, the Bruins struggled, with their third and fourth lines featuring players like Max Jones and Trent Frederic. Only Mark Kastelic, now the No. 4 right wing, returns to a projected lineup for Wednesday’s season opener against the Washington Capitals.

Minten is one of five new players adjusting to the Bruins’ bottom-six lineup. President Cam Neely believes the team will be difficult for opponents this season, saying, “We’re expected to play hard every game.”

The Bruins have significant depth in their forward roster. Players such as Sean Kuraly and Marat Khusnutdinov, who practiced on the fourth line, are also eager for more time on the ice. Patrick Brown and Riley Duran are additional options from AHL Providence.

General Manager Don Sweeney emphasized the need for a well-rounded squad. “There’ll be some times the bottom six of your lineup has to lead because your top guys are a little more tired,” Sweeney stated. This strategy, developed from last season’s challenges and the need for depth beyond top-performing players, is central to the Bruins’ identity moving forward.

As training camp winds down, the Bruins aim to build a competitive team ahead of the season. Minten’s emergence is seen as a bright point in an otherwise reconfigured lineup.