Growth on growth.
Trent Frederic’s 2024 rating: 7.3
In some ways, Trent Frederic’s 2023-2024 reminds me of Charlie Coyle’s: both were put in a different role, asked to step up, and ended up having career years.
And while Coyle’s totals were higher than Frederic’s, last season represented another significant step forward for the latter.
Overall, Frederic remains a (somewhat) polarizing figure among Bruins fans, but his game continues to evolve in positive ways.
At this point, we could argue all day long about Frederic’s natural position — yes he’s a center, but he’s also a wing, but he’s also a center, and a wing, and…yeah.
Last season, the Bruins had high-level questions at center, but also had enough centers to give Jim Montgomery options when it came to Frederic.
He ended up spending most of his 5v5 time on the wing, with Morgan Geekie as his center; his second-most common teammate by TOI was James van Riemsdyk.
While Frederic embraced his role on the wing, he also remained flexible enough to fill in admirably at center when called upon — a type of versatility that will serve him well as he continues his career.
He contributed more on the PK this season, skating the most shorthanded time of his NHL career.
Frederic had tough sledding in zone starts as well, starting nearly 57% of his 5v5 shifts in his own zone.
Frederic’s physicality and willingness to drop the gloves endear him to a large segment of the fanbase, and that part of his game didn’t drop off in spite of the increased responsibilities.
While they’re a dubious stat, it’s worth pointing out that Frederic was credited with 204 hits last season, nearly double his previous career high.
The fighting didn’t stop either, as Frederic had a number of bouts, including tangles with Andreas Englund (twice), Jacob Trouba, Liam O’Brien, and Tanner Jeannot.
So…he remained a physical presence, continued to fight, and set career highs in all offensive categories (with all but two of his points coming at even strength).
What’s not to like?
That’s kind of a rhetorical question, as Frederic’s season is accurately reflected in the rating he received: he exceeded expectations, earning the sixth-highest non-goalie rating in the process.
After a big season last year, this coming season projects to be an even bigger one for Frederic: with free agency looming, another step forward could see a pretty big payday in his future.
As a (modern version of a) power forward who can score and is willing to fight, he’ll have no shortage of suitors if he hits the open market, particularly if he can crack 50 points or 20 goals this season.
While he’ll remain a somewhat controversial figure due to his first-round selection, the Bruins’ patience with Frederic is paying off.
He went from a five-point player in his first half-season to point totals of 18, 31, and 40; maybe not what you’d want from a top-10 pick, but for a late-round guy, it’s respectable.
I suppose the take-home point here is that Frederic has continued to grow. His game is becoming more well-rounded, he’s contributing in all three zones, all that good stuff.
If he can continue that progress this season, he’ll put some pressure on the Bruins’ checkbook or will find himself a nice reward elsewhere.