The Toronto Maple Leafs are in a tough spot. Captain Auston Matthews is still sidelined with an injury, and they just announced that David Kämpf will also miss time. With Max Domi also battling an undisclosed injury, center depth is suddenly a major concern. As the Leafs scramble to find reinforcements, one name has emerged as a potential target: Boston Bruins center Trent Frederic.
This rumor comes courtesy of James Mirtle of The Athletic, who recently reported on several trade options for the Leafs. Frederic, a 26-year-old power forward, is coming off an 18-goal, 40-point season with the Bruins. He’s a big body (6-foot-3, 220 pounds) who plays a physical game and can chip in offensively.
Why Trent Frederic Makes Sense for the Maple Leafs
Frederic’s size and skillset would be a welcome addition to the Leafs’ lineup. He’s exactly the type of player who can provide a spark and some secondary scoring, especially with key players out of the lineup. His $2.3 million cap hit is also manageable, even for a team with limited cap space like the Leafs.
However, prying him away from the Bruins won’t be easy. Trading within the division is always tricky, and the Bruins are unlikely to want to help a rival.
But there are a few factors that could make a deal possible:
- The Bruins’ Recent Struggles: If the Bruins continue to underperform as we approach the Christmas trade freeze, they may be more open to making a move.
- An Enticing Offer: The Leafs have some valuable assets they could dangle in front of the Bruins, including young players and draft picks. If the offer is sweet enough, the Bruins might be tempted to pull the trigger.
Of course, any trade involving Frederic would come with risks. He’s not a proven top-six center, and there’s no guarantee he would replicate his success from last season in a new environment. But with the Leafs desperate for help down the middle, Frederic represents an intriguing option.
It’s important to remember that this is just a rumor at this point. There’s no guarantee that the Leafs will make a move for Frederic, or that the Bruins would even be willing to trade him. But it’s definitely a situation worth monitoring in the coming weeks.
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