After a huge breakout 2025-26 season, young Boston Bruins center Fraser Minten was entering the upcoming season in a contract year. Boston's front office had until the middle of September to work out a deal that would be a good one for both sides before the CBA kicks in.
On Tuesday, the Bruins did what they needed to do; they locked up Minten on a seven-year contract extension with an AAV of $7.2 million that runs through the 2033-34 season. That locks up what the Bruins hope is a top-six center as soon as this year for the long-term.
After signing his new deal, Minten met with the media and was a very humble young player.
“It probably doesn’t change too much right now. I want to have a good camp, start the year off right. Still pretty fresh in this league, so I have a long way to go to establish myself as a long-term core guy who is really valuable to the team. Just continue the process and continue to improve,” Minten said. “You get respect through your actions, not through your contract. So continue to work hard, be a good teammate – gain the respect of everyone and become a leader that way.”
Bruins locking up a core piece down the middle was the right move
Just where Minten ends up in Sturm's lineup this season is going to be one fascinating storyline in training camp. Last season, he was the third-line center and ended the season with Marat Khusnutdinov and James Hagens on his wings as part of the "Kid Line.''
Minten had 17 goals and 18 assists in 82 games, which was a breakout season for the 22-year-old. However, there is a real possibility that he could move up this season to either the first or second line. Could he center the first line between David Pastrnak and newly acquired JJ Peterka? Maybe. What about the second line between Casey Mittlestadt and Morgan Geekie? Maybe. That seems like the more logical fit if we're being honest.
In an ideal world Minten would be the No. 2 center with Elias Lindholm moving down to the third line, with Pavel Zacha solidifying the No. 1 center spot. Speaking of Zacha, he is also entering a contract season, and his future in Boston is now one big question mark. Minten's deal is likely to be topped by Zacha, but will that be in Boston? Can the Black and Gold have three centers making $7 million plus a year? If they want to keep Zacha, they will have to.
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