Boston Bruins Forward Trent Frederic is a Restricted Free Agent at the end of the season. He could be a potential candidate to be traded at the deadline with extension talks not going well. There have been reports that “Freddy” and Bruins’ management have a significant negotiation gap.
Since becoming a full-time player during the 2021-2022 season, Frederic has improved in each season. Frederic had eight goals and ten assists in 60 games in the 2021-2022 season. In the 2022-2023 season, the 6-foot-3 forward set career highs in goals (17), assists (14), and points (31) in 79 games. He followed that up with an even better 2023-24 season, setting career highs in goals (18), assists (22), and points (40) in all 82 games. This season, the 26-year-old forward (he’ll turn 27 on February 11) has regressed with five goals and six assists in 33 games. Are the Bruins willing to pay a bottom-six forward upwards of four million dollars annually?
Based on current reports, it seems that the Bruins aren’t willing to commit. If Bruins’ management doesn’t feel like Frederic is in their plans, they must consider moving him at the trade deadline or potentially lose him for nothing. Here are some potential landing spots for the rugged forward:
Boston Bruins
The Bruins would still like to finalize a deal with Frederic. Boston has invested time in his development, and they need help at the center. What the Bruins do not like, though, is the price tag. With Boston already up against the salary cap and issues with secondary scoring, can the Bruins afford to give Frederic the type of contract he covets? The Bruins will have to trade Frederic or risk losing him for nothing if the two sides can’t reach an agreement.
Related Post: Boston Bruins Making a Decision on Trent Frederic
St. Louis Blues
If the Bruins and Frederic can’t agree on a new deal, St. Louis will be a logical trade partner for the 2016 first-round pick. Former Bruins coach Jim Montgomery has taken over in St. Louis and is familiar with Frederic. The St. Louis, Missouri native would be returning home and had his best seasons under Montgomery in Boston. According to Elliot Friedman, there is a lot of interest in Trent Frederic, and that could drive the price up for trade partners. But he could likely be had for a second-round pick unless it turns into a bidding war.
Winnipeg Jets
Winnipeg has been one of the best teams in hockey over the first few months of the season and could be looking to add to an already deep forward group. Frederic would be a good fit on the fourth line for Winnipeg. The 26-year-old pivot could bring more grit and physicality to the 4th line than Rasmus Kupari. Frederic is a player whose game is more suited to playoff hockey than the regular season. Frederic had five points (3g, 2a) in 13 playoff games last season. A second-round pick or a prospect with potential would likely get a deal done with the Bruins.
Related Post: Winnipeg Jets Place Dylan Coghlan on Waivers (12/18/2024)
Season 4. Episode 39. The Off Season – Bruins Benders Podcast
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