Opinion: Boston Bruins Should Test the Trade Market with Soon to be Free Agent

Photo: NBC Sports Boston

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 7. The Bruins Are Broken. Bruins Benders Podcast

The Benders discuss the hottest Bruins topics! In this episode: Is this a good roster capable of more or have we overrated them? Could a different coach get more out of this team? Brad Marchand. What do you want his contract to be like? How do you fix the power play?DraftKings Sportsbook – Boston’s hometown Sportsbook is LIVE right here in Massachusetts! Bet local on all your favorite sports from the comfort of your own home with DraftKings. To celebrate, ALL new customers will receive up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS bets when you sign up for DraftKings Sportsbook using code ITR! You can now bet local on money lines, spreads, props, and more with one of America’s top-rated Sportsbooks – DraftKings Sportsbook!  Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app and sign up with code ITR to get up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS bets to use now that mobile sports betting is live in Massachusetts. That’s code ITR only at DraftKings Sportsbook. If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, call 800 327-5050 or visit helplineMA.org to speak with a trained specialist, free and confidentially, twenty four seven. 21+. Physically present in MA. Eligibility restrictions apply. Subjects to regulatory licensing requirements. Eligibility and deposit restrictions apply. Opt in required. Bonus issued as free bets. Terms at draftkings.com/MA.
  1. Season 4. Episode 7. The Bruins Are Broken.
  2. Season 4. Episode 6. Searching For Answers
  3. Season 4. Episode 5. May the Fourth Be With You
  4. Season 4. Episode 4. Make It Fast, Make It Urgent!
  5. Season 4. Episode 3. 66 Million Reasons to Play Hockey

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