BOSTON – Trent Frederic is no longer a Boston Bruin, and he will be missed by his teammates and the fans.
The gutsy forward was traded as part of a three-team deal that ultimately moved him to the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday. The return – defensive prospect Max Wanner, a second-round pick in 2025 and a fourth-round selection in 2026 – was decent but the Bruins will miss Frederic’s grit and determination.
“Sad, obviously,” said Bruins’ David Pastrnak after Tuesday’s ugly 6-3 loss to the Nashville Predators at TD Garden. “Freddie’s an amazing human being, a heck of a player and a tough kid. He’ll be missed by the group and unfortunately, it’s a business.”
The Bruins selected him in the first round (29th overall) in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft and he spent a total of seven seasons with the Bruins. He was always willing to be that type of physical player and became a fan favorite. Still, trading away a prototypical Bruin before the deadline is just another example how general manager Don Sweeney and the Bruins have landed at an organizational crossroads. So, who will be the next true Bruin to enjoy longevity and become a fan favorite in that role?
That, no doubt, remains to be seen.