Bruins' Trent Frederic Poised for Breakout 2024-25 Season – Hockey Writers – Boston Bruins

Trent Frederic has come a long way since being drafted 29th overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. At the time of his selection, many fans were concerned with the idea of ​​what Frederic could become, especially after then-director of scouting Keith Gretzky admitted that the team did not consider him a top-six forward. This also came after the infamous 2015 Entry Draft, the team's first under general manager Don Sweeney. Fast forward eight years and 280 games of NHL action, however, the narrative and sentiment surrounding Frederic is not sour.

The 26-year-old player from St. While it may have taken him a while to put it all together, that can be said of many players who make the transition from novice to professional. For Frederick, the transition wasn't always easy and far from smooth, but the results far outweighed the growing pains.

At 6 foot 3 and 220 pounds, Frederic's size won't even be in question at the NHL level. A high-quality frame from a young age helped Frederic perform at the collegiate level and in the AHL, but it would not separate him from his peers in the NHL. Instead, he had to learn what it takes to be a champion while playing with a team that had plenty of teammates to help him reach his potential. What is commendable for Frederic is that all this teaching did not go to waste as he continues to work and reap benefits every year.

Since his official rookie season in 2020-21, Frederic has improved in every statistical category each season. In his first season, he skated in 42 games and recorded four goals and five points. He posted eight goals and 18 points in 60 games in his second season before taking another big step forward in his third season in the NHL. Playing in 79 games, Frederic scored 17 goals and 31 points, almost doubling his points and points from last season. This made Frederic's 18-goal, 40-point, 82-game campaign in the 2023-24 season all the more satisfying as he clearly hadn't reached his ceiling yet. However, it earned him the NESN 7th Player Award, which is presented annually to the Bruins player who most exceeds fan expectations during the season, as voted on by fans.

All this means that the 2024-25 season will be an interesting one for Frederic.

Frederic's Skillset is a Bruins luxury

With the Bruins spending big on the first day of free agency but leaving a big hole open on the wing in the top six, the door is open for a player like Frederic to put his name in a senior role. The expectation is that one of Fabian Lysell or Georgii Merkulov will grab the proverbial bronze ring and claim a top-six finish, but there are no guarantees that he's ready for such a jump to the NHL. If the Bruins decide this is the case, then an in-house candidate like Frederic, Matt Poitras or Morgan Geekie could have a chance to break through the glass ceiling and jump to the top of the lineup.

Related: Bruins' Lysell and Merkulov Could Compete for Top-6 Role

Frederic's game lends itself well to any style of play at the NHL level. A player who is not afraid to play physical and make an impact with his size, Frederic's ability to play in the lower division needs no explanation. Considering that Frederic's offensive game continues to improve each season, in addition to his responsible personality and ability to play well in all three positions, the Bruins are fortunate to have Frederic as their main third line player. At the same time, this skill set sounds like exactly the kind of top teams want in the top six.

In fact, Frederic's game should not suffer regardless of where he skates in the lineup. He touches the game in so many ways and seems to please almost every teammate he skates with, making him a perfect option for the Bruins to check out during training camp and the preseason. If he maintains the same offensive output he did last season while remaining an impact player off his stick, he will be worthy of the 29th pick in 2016. If he can continue to raise his game and improve his scores, even if he plays outside the top six, it will be gravy. For a Bruins team looking to use this shortstop again, he's the type of player they'll need on their roster.