One of the Leafs’ top prospects is being traded to one of the top teams in the WHL.

Fraser Minten, a mere 22 days after being named team captain, is on the move from the Blazers to the Blades in an early blockbuster trade in junior hockey. Details of the trade have yet to emerge at the time of writing, but reports suggest the return package will be massive.

Minten has been playing well since returning to the west coast from his four-game stint with the Leafs. His 10 points (three goals and seven assists) in seven games played already had him sixth on the team in scoring despite missing the first 15 games of the year. Minten’s best efforts have unfortunately not been enough to get the Blazers out from near the bottom of the league as they currently sit one point clear of the Edmonton Oil Kings for last place.

This trade will catapult Minten right up to one of the best teams in the WHL as the Blades are just two points shy of entering a four-way tie for the regular season crown. He will also get to play alongside fellow Leafs prospect Brandon Lisowsky and the two could perhaps share a line at some point.

While there may be some concerns that this trade could impact his role and usage given he is now joining a talented team, Minten has been exceptional thus far and should pick up where he left off and continue his development as a two-way player. Being fresh off his first taste of the NHL level and having a good shot of making Team Canada’s roster for the upcoming World Juniors will also help ensure the Blades become even more formidable.

Minten went pointless in four games with the Leafs after cracking the opening night roster out of training camp. He was originally drafted 38th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft.