As Chris Drury works to reshape the New York Rangers’ roster with more toughness and grit, it’s likely the GM has considered pursuing Trent Frederic ahead of the March 7 NHL trade deadline.
The 26-year-old forward has been a reliable presence in the Boston Bruins’ bottom-six for several seasons, bringing a mix of physicality (305 career penalty minutes) and offensive production (109 points, including 40 last season) over 334 NHL games. Set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, Frederic presents an intriguing rental option with a manageable $2.3 million cap hit.
With Adam Edstrom potentially sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a lower-body injury, Frederic could be a strong addition to the Rangers’ lineup. A fourth line featuring Frederic, Sam Carrick, and Matt Rempe would be a tough, physical unit that few teams would enjoy facing—especially in a playoff series.
However, Frederic wouldn’t necessarily be confined to fourth-line duty. He has spent time in a middle-six role with the Bruins, though there isn’t an immediate opening for him in that spot with the Rangers. While he’s capable of playing both center and wing, his struggles in the face-off circle make him a better fit on the wing.
“I think [Frederic] would be a perfect fit for the Rangers and what they’re trying to build,” a former NHL executive told Forever Blueshirts. “He’s big (6-foot-3, 221 pounds), physical, gritty, and skilled. I like him a lot for New York.”
The Rangers have already bolstered their roster with a blend of skill and toughness, recently acquiring J.T. Miller from Vancouver and defenseman Will Borgen from Seattle. Will Cuylle ranks fourth in the NHL with 196 hits, while Rempe provides additional physicality.
Frederic would complement that group well, ranking 20th in the NHL with 147 hits and posting a respectable 50.56% expected goals-for percentage (xGF), per Natural Stat Trick.
However, the former first-round pick (No. 29 in 2016) has seen a dip in production despite averaging a career-high 14:00 TOI per game. Through 54 games, he has eight goals and 15 points, along with 42 penalty minutes and a career-worst minus-11 rating. Last season, he recorded 40 points (18 goals, 22 assists) and 69 penalty minutes in all 82 games, while the year before, he had 31 points (17 goals, 14 assists) in 79 contests.
According to The Fourth Period’s Dave Pagnotta, Frederic has drawn significant interest throughout the season, along with fellow Bruins forward Justin Brazeau. Boston reportedly held contract discussions with both players in December, but talks have since quieted as the team evaluates its position.
Given the high demand for Frederic, the cost to acquire him may be more than the Rangers are willing to pay. That, along with other factors, makes it uncertain whether they will ultimately pursue him before the deadline.
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