Fraser Minten Named NHL Rookie of the Month for January
Fraser Minten mid game against the Seattle Kraken January 6, 2026. Photo credits: Jenn G.
Written By Gina Anton
Boston, MA — Boston Bruins forward Fraser Minten has been recognized as the NHL’s Rookie of the Month for January following a breakout month that saw the 21-year-old establish himself as one of the league’s most dynamic first-year players.
Minten led all NHL rookies in scoring during January, recording 8 goals and 6 assists for 14 points in 14 games while posting a +12 rating, which is the highest among his rookie peers for the month. His offense included three multi-point games and a mix of timely contributions that helped the Bruins go 11-2-1 in January.
Standout Performances
Jan. 3 vs. Vancouver Canucks — Minten scored two goals, including the overtime winner, in his hometown, electrifying Bruins fans and showcasing his clutch potential.
Jan. 10 vs. New York Rangers — He posted 2 goals and 1 assist in a dominant 10-2 victory.
Jan. 29 vs. Philadelphia Flyers — Minten recorded another three-point night to cap off an impressive month.
His 8 goals in January are the most by a Bruins rookie in a single calendar month since Brad Marchand also scored eight way back in January 2011.
Season Context
Through 55 games this season, Minten has 29 points (14 goals, 15 assists) and leads all rookies in plus-minus with +20. His overall performance has him among the top first-year players in a range of statistical categories, including goals, even-strength scoring, and shooting percentage.
Minten’s teammates and coaches have praised his work ethic and emerging role with the Bruins:
“He’s one of the hardest workers on the team,” said Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman, reflecting on Minten’s standout homecoming in Vancouver with NESN. “He deserves every bit of it. He plays the right way and carries himself like a pro.”
Boston’s coaching staff has also taken notice of his rapid development. As reported by team insiders, Head Coach Marco Sturm emphasized his excitement about Minten’s upside:
“He’s just a very exciting kid to watch,” Sturm said. “It’s exciting to be part of hopefully something big throughout his career.”
Minten became the first Bruins player to earn Rookie of the Month honors since goaltender Jeremy Swayman in February 2022 and the first Bruins skater to receive the distinction since Sergei Samsonov in January 1998.
