The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to pursue a center ahead of the trade deadline, and one insider has linked them to Boston Bruins forward Trent Frederic.
The Leafs have an opening for a third-line center, and Frederic, a pending unrestricted free agent, has surfaced in trade discussions. With the Bruins not seen as strong contenders for the Stanley Cup, The Athletic’s Jonas Siegel has identified Frederic as Toronto’s fourth-ranked center target.
“Boston is probably far more likely to deal Frederic, a pending UFA, than [Charlie] Coyle. But, again, would they deal him to a division rival? That’s one potential hurdle,” Siegel noted. “The other? Frederic is having a down year, with just seven goals and 14 points so far.
Part of what made him so attractive in the past was the scoring/grit combo he brought. Frederic scored 18 goals last year and 17 the year before that with strong underlying numbers. He’s another player, mind you, who sometimes plays the wing.
“And yet, Frederic still feels like the right fit for this particular Leafs team — their head coach and GM especially. Why? Frederic is 6-foot-3, 221 pounds and plays with zero fear and a real edge,” Siegel added. “The Leafs might just bet that his scoring touch will return, too.
They’ve witnessed it firsthand when it matters: Frederic scored in Games 1 and 3 against the Leafs last spring. Unlike some of the other names on this list, the acquisition cost shouldn’t be outrageous.”
Frederic is in the final season of a two-year, $4.6 million contract. With 7 goals and 7 assists for 14 points in 48 games, he could provide Toronto with a third-line center who brings size, grit, and offensive potential.
Insider Questions Whether Frederic Fits the Leafs’ Needs
Although Siegel lists Frederic as Toronto’s fourth-best center option, NHL insider Chris Johnston isn’t convinced he’s the right choice.
“The intangibles and vibes are both strong here, especially with Frederic’s willingness to drop the gloves and literally fight for his teammates,” Johnston wrote. “That could add an extra layer of attraction for a Leafs team that seems to be having an increasingly tough time finding a spot for veteran Ryan Reaves in the lineup on a nightly basis.
“The biggest question with Frederic is whether he raises the ceiling on what Toronto is hoping to accomplish with its third line,” Johnston continued. “As Jonas correctly notes, he plays as much wing as he does center these days and he’s never been particularly effective in the faceoff dot. Frederic is a playoff warrior-type who the Bruins are almost certain to move as a rental before March 7, but the Leafs might best aim for a target who checks more boxes.”
Despite his gritty playing style, Johnston doubts Frederic would make a significant enough impact on Toronto’s third line to justify trading assets for him.
Frederic Expected to Be Moved by Bruins
Trent Frederic’s name is gaining traction as the March 7 trade deadline approaches.
DailyFaceoff.com’s Frank Seravalli has Frederic ranked 16th on his trade bait board, suggesting he is a player of interest for teams around the league.
“Frederic is a guy who has drawn lots of interest from around the league. He’s a pain in the ass to play against. He competes. And he scores — 18 goals last season, 17 the year prior. Frederic is the perfect bottom-six forward, and the Bruins have proven they can mine those guys better than any other team,” Seravalli wrote.
While the Bruins remain in the playoff race, it appears likely they will trade Frederic as a rental before the deadline.
Error fetching related posts: No related posts found.
Error fetching related posts: No related posts found.
