Young Bruins gets hit with major opportunity for next season

Recently, after filing for arbitration, restricted free agent Trent Frederic and the Boston Bruins reached an agreement on a new contract. The two-year deal comes with an average annual value of $2.3 million, a significant raise for the 25-year-old center.

Frederic's career-best performance during the 2022-23 season, with 17 goals and 31 points in 79 games, showcases his potential to be a key player for the Bruins, especially with Patrice Bergeron's retirement creating an offensive gap.

While Frederic struggled initially in his NHL career, he showed promising development last season. The team is now considering a potential move back to center for him, where he excelled during his juniors and college career.

With Bergeron's departure, the center position in the lineup is up for grabs, and Frederic has an opportunity to step up and make his mark.


Expectations for Frederic should be cautiously optimistic. While he had an impressive season, it was just one year, and the team will need him to maintain that level of performance or improve upon it. He won't be a direct replacement for Bergeron, but he can contribute significantly, both physically and offensively.

Comparisons to players like Tom Wilson highlight Frederic's potential as a modern-day enforcer who can also be a consistent offensive contributor. The Bruins need his physical play, but his offensive contributions will be equally vital.

The new contract demonstrates the team's commitment to Frederic and their belief in his potential. Whether he plays center or stays on the wing, the team will be counting on him to deliver, at the very least, a performance on par with last season.

As the 2023-24 season approaches, fans will be eager to see Frederic's growth and development. The upcoming season presents a golden opportunity for him to prove himself as a legitimate NHL center and continue his positive trajectory.

With the roster dynamics more flexible than before, Frederic's continued growth will be a key factor in the Bruins' success in the coming season.

Source: Thehockeywriters