By: Julia Simone | Follow me on Twitter / X @j_simone40
Boston Bruins forward Trent Frederic is a fan favorite here in Boston. He was drafted 29th overall in the 2016 NHL draft by the B’s. The St. Louis native was drafted at 18 when he was a member of the US National Program and arrived in Beantown two years later. Last season, Frederic won the NESN 7th player award after he was recognized by Bruins fans and the organization for his play. This award is given to a Bruins player who has worked hard all season and performed above and beyond expectations. Frederic finished the 2023-2024 season registering 18 goals and 22 assists. He will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2025. This season, however, his play has been far below par.
Trent Frederic came into the 2024-2025 season with many eyes on him. Not only was he coming off arguably one of the best seasons of his career, but he has also been the player who could always be counted on to drop the gloves when the team needed more momentum. He is a physical player who dishes out big hits. So far this season he has 109 hits, the 2nd most in the NHL. His scoreboard stats are not where they need to be, though. Frederic has not registered a point in his last 10 games while averaging about 14 minutes of ice time this season. He says his performance has been inconsistent as of late, “it [my game] has been a little up and down, but the last few games have been good…that is really all you can think about and focus on the future.”
Frederic has been up and down the lineup all season. He typically is slotted into the lineup on the third line. Head coach Joe Sacco says Frederic needs to tap into his physicality, and the rest of his game will follow, “the biggest thing is he has got to continue to start moving his feet and continue to move his feet when he is playing, and he has to be physical. I think that is a big component of his game and when he is playing hard…that is when Freddy’s game elevates.” The 6’3″ forward was also recently switched back to center from wing. The switch was made in an attempt to get his game going and create more offense. Sacco says Frederic knows how to play at center but will have some work to do to adjust. He will have to cover a lot of ice in the Bruins’ zone while still getting himself in position to create offensive chances for the club.
Overall, Frederic must continue to be physical each game and be strong on the puck if he wants to help the Bruins offensively. The recent switch to center should help his game, as he is a solid centerman and can play both sides of the puck. Once Frederic breaks through this slump and registers a few points, he should start to find the momentum his game has been lacking. Many fans wonder if he will still be a Bruin next season since he will be a UFA in July. It is evident he is well-loved here in Boston, especially with the younger B’s fans.
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