This summer, Jason Newland and I will continue our series looking at potential free agent targets who could be available on July 1.
Today, we’re looking at Trent Frederic.
Target: Trent Frederic – C – 7 Years Experience
Frederic may have had a down year, but he will be a good depth piece for whatever team signs him. After being with the Boston Bruins for seven years, he was dealt to the Edmonton Oilers at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline to help the team on their Stanley Cup run.
It seems next to impossible that the Oilers are going to be able to sign him. If he does hit the open market, there will be plenty of teams that will be interested in him.
Stats
Frederic missed a good amount of time due to injury, so this year was a big down year for him. In 56 games, he only managed to score eight goals and seven assists for 15 points. In the past, he has scored 31 points and 40 points, which is his career high. So it’s clear he didn’t have a great year.
In his career, he has only scored 55 goals and 54 assists for 109 points in 338 games, which isn’t a lot of production. But he isn’t wanted for his scoring—he’s wanted for his physical play. Over the last two seasons, he’s totaled 204 and 157 hits. He also isn’t afraid to drop the gloves when needed.
Previous Salary
Frederic signed a two-year extension with the Bruins back on Aug. 1, 2023, that carries an AAV of $2.3 million. Contract experts predict that he will sign a two-year contract with an AAV of $3.5 million.
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This summer, <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/author/jason-newland">Jason Newland </a>and I will continue our series looking at potential free agent targets who could be available on July 1.
Realistic Chances of a Signing: Cold
Personally, I don't see a world where Frederic ends up a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets. If he is a free agent and has the choice to sign anywhere, he’s more than likely going to prioritize the St. Louis Blues, since he’s from there, grew up a fan of the team, and would probably give anything to play for them.
If the Blues aren't interested, a few other Stanley Cup contenders will show their interest, as well as the Bruins. Unfortunately, the Blue Jackets likely don't rank high on his list if he were to hit the open market.
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The PWHL unveiled the rules for their upcoming expansion draft, where they are adding two teams. Those will be PWHL Seattle and PWHL Vancouver. The rules are pretty wild, and you can read them <a href="https://www.thepwhl.com/en/news/2025/may/19/pwhl-releases-key-dates-rules-and-procedures-for-2025-expansion-rosters">here</a>.
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The Hockey News' very own <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/international/author/derek-obrien" target="_blank">Derek O'Brien</a> had the chance to speak with Columbus Blue Jackets' Adam Fantilli and Kent Johnson at the 2025 IIHF World Championships. <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/international/latest-news/adam-fantilli-kent-johnson-asked-about-elvis-merzlikins" target="_blank">During his interview</a>, he asked them about their goalie Elvis Merzlikins, and both players shared their thoughts on him.