The Minten trade may have opened a Bruins door for the Leafs
Photo credit: Natalie Reid-Imagn Images
With the emergence of Fraser Minten as a future piece in Boston, some wonder about Matthew Poitras' role going forward; and the Maple Leafs could do something wild.
For the Toronto Maple Leafs, they are probably looking at the Fraser Minten trade with some heavy regrets. Not only have they not gotten much out of Brandon Carlo, but Minten's emergence as a true two-way player with top-six potential has led many to feel that the trade was a definitive failure on Brad Treliving's part.
Though it did end up causing a bit of a headache for the Bruins considering they too are in a position like the Maple Leafs were -- in a sense.
Fraser Minten stole the show -- and a Bruins hopeful's roster spot
With Minten coming in, it pushed out prospect Matthew Poitras; a player who had a cup of coffee in the NHL but has shown a lot of promise and it's led to Elliotte Friedman to wonder where his future lies.
Speaking on The FAN Hockey Show, Friedman explained that both sides aren't too happy with how things are going as Poitras feels he hasn't been given the opportunity, but Boston may feel they might move on:
I've wondered about Matthew Poitras; you can tell that both sides aren't 100% happy with each other here, I think the Bruins have expected more, I think Poitras would expect more.
One Boston fan commented on the situation with a very blunt observation of the matter: Minten stole the show and subsequently, Poitras' job:
Minten stole his job. But no reason he can’t play the wing over a guy like Eyssimont or Jeannot.
Poitras has 68 games so far in his career despite only being 21 years old, and has 27 points in those games (7 goals, 20 assists).
Toronto may be able to rectify old mistakes
He's not the most physical player, however is solid defensively and has a lot of offensive potential with how smart he plays the game. Often weighing his options, he makes his own choices based on the moment and has a great offensive instinct.
But even at 6'0, 189 pounds he still uses his frame and positioning to box out players, work board battles and then when he gets the puck, is able to lead things out safely.
With Toronto looking to retool, adding a player like Poitras would give them a future top-six center potentially like Minten would have and ironically, end up with one of Boston's former top prospects.
Plus, it gives the Maple Leafs a true young prospect to build around alongside Easton Cowan and having two players in their early 20's in the top-six plus Matthew Knies -- suddenly the youth movement is gaining traction.
Though dealing with Boston has the chance to give Toronto more headaches than it's worth, if they really regret trading Fraser Minten then they have the perfect chance to fix that mistake in a big way.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 2|1132 ANSWERS The Minten trade may have opened a Bruins door for the Leafs Should Toronto trade for Matthew Poitras? | ||
| Yes | 437 | 38.6 % |
| No | 695 | 61.4 % |
| List of polls | ||