Boston Bruins forward Trent Frederic is at the center of growing trade speculation as contract negotiations with the team remain stalled.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman addressed Frederic’s situation on Monday's episode of the "32 Thoughts" podcast, revealing multiple teams are monitoring the 26-year-old forward and reaching out to Bruins management.
“There are definitely some teams out there that feel that the Bruins and Frederic won’t be able to get a deal done,” Friedman said. “He’s the kind of player that playoff teams are going to want. They’re really going to want a guy like that.
”He’s a good teammate, he’s competitive.”
Frederic is in the final season of a two-year, $4.6 million contract with the Bruins and carries a cap hit of $2.5 million this season.
Boston Bruins center Trent Frederic (11) plays the puck against the Seattle Kraken.
Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Frederic has been a mainstay in Boston’s lineup mostly thanks to his physical style of play, which makes him a good third- or fourth-line forward.
While his offensive numbers have been modest—five goals and six assists for 11 points in 32 games—his grit, energy, and willingness to engage in the tough areas of the game, more than his actual point production, is what teams will value about him.
With no visible progress in contract talks, teams are sensing an opportunity might emerge if Boston decides to move Frederic before the trade deadline instead of risking losing him for nothing next July.
“Whatever the Bruins' intentions are here, they are getting a lot of calls about him,” Friedman said.
Friedman already reported during the latest "Saturday Headlines" segment on Sportsnet that Frederic's situation is "getting a lot of calls" directed Bruins general manager Don Sweeney's way.
“The Bruins are getting a lot of calls. ‘What are you thinking here? Will you keep him? Will he be available?’” Friedman said. “He’s a guy that’s definitely got a lot of interest.”
The Bruins’ inconsistency this season might also be playing a part in the speculation. Boston is third in the Atlantic Division with a 16-13-3 record and 35 total points, but the franchise has an interim coach on the sidelines after the firing of Jim Montgomery in late November.
