In case there have been any doubts final summer time, Trent Frederic proved that he’s a bona fide NHL participant in 2022-23. He proved he’s greater than only a fourth liner as nicely.
But nonetheless, as he’s about to embark on his sixth full professional season, it’s not absolutely clear what the 25-year-old Bruin ahead’s ceiling is, and even the place he ought to play within the lineup.
Frederic, who narrowly averted arbitration final week when he signed a two-year take care of an AAV of $2.3 million, loved a breakout season in ’22-23, notching profession highs in targets (17) and factors (31).
Developed as a centerman, Frederic performed all three ahead positions by means of the course of final season however he had his best success taking part in his off wing on the correct aspect with heart Charlie Coyle and left wing Taylor Hall.
Hall is now a Blackhawk and Coyle is anticipated to bump up within the lineup with the retirement of Patrice Bergeron and anticipated departure of David Krejci. Where that leaves Frederic is anybody’s guess. GM Don Sweeney has talked about him as a potential heart, presumably someplace within the depth chart behind Pavel Zacha and Coyle. Other heart hopefuls embrace newly acquired Morgan Geekie, Jesper Boqvist and Patrick Brown.
“I guess it will play out in camp,” mentioned Frederic, talking on a Zoom name from his residence in St. Louis on Thursday. “I don’t mind playing center or wing. I think last year I played all three, left, right and center so I’m comfortable playing all three now. I actually really liked playing right wing last year. It was a my first time doing that and I really liked it. So wherever I find a fit, I’ll try to do my best there.”
While on the U.S. National Development program and the University of Wisconsin, Frederic performed principally heart and acquired a bit style of it once more later within the season when the B’s had been resting some gamers.
One important space that can be a problem for the B’s is on the draw. In shedding Bergeron and Tomas Nosek, that’s two pivots who averaged higher than a 59% success charge within the circle. Frederic didn’t take a ton of attracts, simply 72, however he gained simply 24 of them, for a win share of 33.3. That’s acquired to get higher, and he is aware of it. But he looks like he’s acquired an excellent deal with on the remainder of the centerman’s responsibilties, which he mentioned have lightened a bit underneath Jim Montgomery’s system.
“I’ve pretty much been a center my whole career before the last three years when I’ve been in and out of center but mostly out on wing. I think I understand the system at center … when I was playing with Charlie, he always liked when I’d chip in and play down low,” mentioned Frederic. “I think for me, the biggest thing will be faceoffs. Getting that first touch on the puck for our team will be a big factor. That’s something I don’t think I did my best last season, but I think the repetition will help.”
But profitable extra faceoffs gained’t exchange all of what’s misplaced with Bergeron in civvies. Frederic marveled at his poise and management.
“I even liked when he’d give talks to people in front of big crowds and even to us as a team, you forget he’s doing it in a second language,” mentioned Frederic. “He’s an impressive human. It’ll be interesting to see whatever he does afterwards. Whatever he does, I’m sure he’ll be successful.”
While he’s performed a number of golf this summer time – he hit his first hole-in-one on a par-3 on a northern Michigan course – he’s maintained the identical offseason routine again residence in St. Louis. With so many gamers having moved on, Frederic hopes to select up a bit extra accountability, particularly within the particular groups division. He noticed some spot responsibility on the penalty kill final yr.
“I guess that’s all on my play,” he mentioned. “I’m sure with people moving on, there should be openings for that as in the past years. I guess it’ll all trickle out at camp at the beginning of the year. I would like to play more special teams. It’s hard just playing 5-on-5 at times because you can (lose) the flow of the game. Even a little bit of killing and stuff like that goes a long. You’re not just sitting there getting cold.”
As for his deal, it was introduced simply shortly earlier than the 2 sides had been set to go to arbitration. His teammate, Jeremy Swayman, went by means of with the method. And although the younger netminder mentioned there was no sick will, Swayman additionally mentioned he doesn’t need to undergo it once more.
Frederic was comfortable he was in a position to skip it.
“The process was different from the entry level contract and my last contract, with the whole arbitration thing. I guess it gives a little more leverage to RFAs,” mentioned Frederic. “I’m happy with the deal and that we got to settle before. I think they’re happy and I’m happy, so it’s all good.”
And now, with a multiple-year deal in hand, Frederic can proceed the work of cementing his id as an NHL participant.
Source: www.bostonherald.com