Trent Frederic had a career year last season for the Boston Bruins. The first-round draft pick in 2016 finally found a consistent role as an enforcer who could produce some offense on a solid third line. During the 2024-25 season, Frederic potted 18 goals and collected 22 assists for a career-high 40 points. His breakout season followed a 31-point campaign the previous year. The 26-year-old forward also registered 204 hits and 52 blocked shots. But maybe most importantly, Frederic’s willingness to stick up for his teammates and throw hands at a moment’s notice has made him a fan favorite in Boston.
Thus far this season, Frederic’s production has been slow to materialize, with just one goal and two assists in 13 games, primarily in left wing. The former center is a minus-8, and the one highlight of his season is when he answered the bell for his teammate Matt Poitras on Sunday and fought Adam Larsson of the Seattle Kraken after a tough hit on Poitras. That is what Frederic can bring to the table consistently, but his lack of offensive numbers has been a disappointment. Frederic will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and speculation has surfaced that suggests that many NHL teams would be interested in his services.
On Saturday night, Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney was a visitor at the St. Louis Blues-Toronto Maple Leafs game on St. Louis. Trent Frederic happens to be a native of St. Louis and might have an interest in signing with his hometown team this summer. Sweeney is also heading up Team Canada for the upcoming Four Nations tournament in February and could be scouting players for the Canadian roster. It does, however, look very coincidental that Sweeney is in St. Louis, especially after a report from hockey analyst Kevin Weekes that stated that Frederic was drawing interest around the league.
At this point, the Bruins should be listening to offers on Trent Frederic and gauging the market. Boston is playing better of late but has needed a spark since the beginning of the season. Frederic is seeking a raise above the $2.6 million annually that he is receiving now. Boston is near the salary cap after signing Tyler Johnson off of his Professional Tryout on Monday. With his impending free agency looming, the Bruins would be wise to deal Frederic for a player and/or picks to create more balanced scoring in their forward group.
“Freddy Fight Club” has had a good run in Boston, but that run might be coming to an end as the former University of Wisconsin forward could be moving out of town and potentially back to his roots.
Season 4. Episode 31. The Draft Lottery – Bruins Benders Podcast
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