The Boston Bruins are in a precarious position. Struggling to find consistency and currently sitting outside the playoff picture, General Manager Don Sweeney faces some tough decisions ahead of the March 7th NHL trade deadline. While the Bruins faithful are holding their breath hoping for a late-season surge, the rumor mill is churning, and one name keeps popping up: Trent Frederic.
NHL insider Emily Kaplan’s recent report stating the Bruins are “listening a lot right now, both adding and subtracting” has sent shockwaves through Bruins Nation. While Kaplan suggests a Brad Marchand trade is unlikely, she did reveal that teams are “getting a bunch of calls” about Frederic. This isn’t surprising. Frederic, slated to become a UFA on July 1st, brings a unique blend of grit, versatility, and scoring potential that many teams covet. He’s the type of player who can slot into multiple lines, contribute physically, and chip in offensively. In today’s NHL, that kind of flexibility is invaluable.
Frederic’s Versatility Makes Him Hot Commodity
The timing of these rumors makes sense. If the Bruins’ struggles continue, they become sellers at the deadline. Frederic, a pending UFA, becomes a prime trade target. Why let him walk for nothing in the offseason when you can acquire valuable assets in return? It’s a cold, hard business decision, but one that Sweeney may have to make. The return for Frederic could be significant, perhaps a mid-to-late round draft pick and a prospect. This would allow the Bruins to recoup some value and potentially address other needs on their roster.
Three teams have been consistently linked to Frederic: the Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche, and New Jersey Devils. The Leafs, always looking to add depth and toughness for a playoff run, could see Frederic as the perfect fit for their bottom six. The Avalanche, dealing with injuries and seeking to bolster their forward group, could also be a landing spot. And the Devils, a young, up-and-coming team, might see Frederic as a valuable addition to their core, adding some much-needed experience and edge.
Of the three, I believe the Devils are the most intriguing fit. They have the assets to make a compelling offer, and Frederic’s style of play aligns well with their identity. He could be a key contributor to their push for the playoffs and beyond. For the Bruins, trading Frederic would signal a shift in strategy, acknowledging that this season might be a lost cause. It would be a tough pill to swallow for fans, but it could be the smartest move for the long-term health of the franchise.
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carlo and frederic (salary retention)
to Avs for
Drouin, cal ritchie, 1st and 2nd round picks