Trent Frederic Opens Up About Where He Wants To Play Next Year
During the Boston Bruins' final media session for the 2022-23 season, forward Trent Frederic expressed enthusiasm about his potential shift to a full-time center role for the upcoming 2023-24 season and beyond.
"Embracing that role would be incredible. Center has been my position my entire life until I joined the team," Frederic shared on May 2, following a breakout season that saw him achieve career-highs in both goals (17) and assists (14). "I started as a center, transitioned to left, and played quite a bit on the right this year, which I enjoyed. It felt good to return to center. This summer, I'm dedicating myself to improving my faceoffs to contribute effectively in that aspect of the game. I've always been strong at faceoffs, and I believe I can make a valuable impact and assist the team."
During his recent interaction with the media on Wednesday, Trent Frederic addressed his narrowly avoided arbitration scenario and his new two-year, $4.6 million ($2.3M AAV) contract signed just before his scheduled arbitration hearing on August 1. Frederic was once again asked about the possibility of shifting back to his natural center position.
"Camp will determine the outcome, but I'm comfortable playing both center and wing," Frederic explained. "Last year, I played all three positions – left wing, center, and right wing – so I'm adaptable to any of them. I actually enjoyed playing right wing last year. It was my first time, and I found it really appealing. Wherever I fit best, I'll give my all and perform to the best of my abilities."
With the retirement of longtime Bruins center and captain Patrice Bergeron, the likely retirement of David Krejci, and the departure of fourth-line center Tomas Nosek in free agency, the Bruins' center depth chart has undergone a significant transformation. Pavel Zacha is poised to take on the first-line center role, while Charlie Coyle is expected to fill the 2C position. This leaves the bottom six center positions open for competition.
General Manager Don Sweeney has emphasized that Trent Frederic, along with newcomers Morgan Geekie, Jesper Boqvist, and Patrick Brown, are set to compete for those roles. Additionally, the Bruins will evaluate centers from the Providence Bruins, including Marc McLaughlin and Johnny Beecher, as well as OHL prospect Matthew Poitras.
Frederic is approaching the situation pragmatically and acknowledges the irreplaceable void left by Bergeron and Krejci. However, he's prepared to step up to the challenge.
"Replacing those individuals is an impossible task; they're not only remarkable hockey players but also exceptional individuals," Frederic remarked about his former teammates. "Nonetheless, I hope to assume more responsibility on the team. While replacing them is a tall order, I'm committed to giving my best effort."
Should he reclaim a center position, Frederic is already focusing on refining the necessary skills for an everyday NHL center.
"I've grasped the center position's dynamics," Frederic noted. "Our style often involves playing low forward, especially when I was paired with Charlie. He preferred me to engage down low. For me, the key areas would be faceoffs and gaining that initial puck control for our team. That aspect would significantly influence my success in that role. I admit my performance in this area last year wasn't perfect, but with consistent practice and the effort I've invested, I'm optimistic about my progress."
As seen on Bostonhockeynow
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