Blades acquire Leafs prospect Fraser Minten from Kamloops

The Saskatoon Blades have added some major firepower to their lineup.

The Blades officially announced that they’ve acquired Kamloops Blazers captain Fraser Minten in exchange for first-round WHL draft picks in 2024 and 2025, a fourth-round pick in 2024 and forward Jordan Keller.

BLOCKBUSTER TRADE 🚨

The Saskatoon Blades are ecstatic to announce the acquisition of @MapleLeafs top prospect Fraser Minten from the Kamloops Blazers in exchange for three draft pick and 2005-born forward Jordan Keller

DETAILS 📰 | https://t.co/OUvgoIym15 pic.twitter.com/BJjItiYz9d

— Saskatoon Blades (@BladesHockey) November 24, 2023

Both Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek and TSN’s Darren Dreger were the first to confirm the major trade.

Sounds like Maple Leafs prospect Fraser Minten is on the move from the Kamloops Blazers in the WHL. I believe the Saskatoon Blades have landed him.

— Jeff Marek (@JeffMarek) November 24, 2023

Confirming. Fraser Minten has been traded from Kamloops to Saskatoon.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) November 24, 2023

The 19-year-old Minten was taken in the second round (38th overall) of the 2022 NHL draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Vancouver product started the season with the Leafs, but didn’t register a point in four games before being returned to the Blazers.

Since returning to Kamloops on Oct. 30, Minten has three goals and seven assists in seven games. Last season, Minten recorded 31 goals and 36 assists in 57 games with the Blazers.

Minten was drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 WHL bantam draft by the Blazers.

The Blades (15-8-0-0) are currently in second place in the WHL’s Eastern Conference.

Saskatoon general manager Colin Priestner had some high praise for the newly acquired forward.

“You could tell Fraser took his time today to say goodbye to all his teammates,” said Priestner. “I could just tell talking to him for 10 minutes he’s a world-class kid.”

Priestner said it’s one thing to hear about how good a player is, but it’s another to see it for yourself.

Minten does know some of players on the Blades, as he spent some time with Brandon Lisowsky and Austin Elliott at the Maple Leafs’ training camp. Grayden Siepmann played alongside Minten on Team BC.

Not only did Minten get some training camp experience with the Leafs, but he also appeared in four games. Preistner said that experience is a huge asset.

“You know he made a big enough impression on them on and off the ice to have him around for four games,” said Priestner.

“That’s pretty cool that he gets to bring that experience. He had an outstanding playoffs in 2022 … and then got a taste in the Memorial Cup last year.”

It’s still early in the season, and while Priestner said he’s happy with his current roster, more moves could still be on the way.

“I’d like to go out and find one more defenceman just to have that depth,” said Priestner.