In this edition of NHL rumours we will take a look at a situation that could be brewing in Massachusetts. Boston Bruins forwards Trent Frederic and Justin Brazeau have been listed as names to keep an eye on ahead of the NHL’s March 7th trade deadline. In a recent article by NHL Network insider David Pagnotta, he noted that the Bruins forwards could be on the move. This is due to contract extension talks reportedly coming to a halt. Pagnotta also shared that both players have drawn interest from multiple teams.
NHL Rumours
A Look at the Boston Bruins Potential Future
Rumour: As mentioned before, talks are slowing down with both forwards. This means the Bruins could be dealing one or both players.
Analysis: We will start with the 27-year-old Frederic, who is currently playing in the final year of his two-year, $4,600,00 ($2.3 million AAV) contract. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent for the the first time in his career. With contract talks between Frederic and the Bruins coming to a pause, it seems like a trade may be imminent, especially since the two sides who were reportedly far off on an extension earlier in the season.
In their current stage, the Bruins cannot afford to let their former 29th overall selection walk for nothing. They are in a position where they need as many assets as they can get. As reported by Pagnotta, the centre has drawn interest from multiple teams. The most likely playoff and Stanley Cup contenders who are looking to add grit and depth scoring. It’s fair to assume that Frederic’s days in Beantown are numbered. The Bruins need to get as much value as they can for him.
Brazeau is in a more unique situation. He has only been with the club for over a year after signing a two-year, two-way contract worth $775,000 annually. He has a much smaller sample size than Frederic but there’s no question as to why teams may be interested. However, he 27-year-old winger could be much easier to resume contract negations. This is because he will not demand as much as Frederic will. The 6’6″ winger would also likely not bring in a return as big as his teammate would. This leaves general manager Don Sweeney and company with a decision on how to handle the situation.
How Their Time in Boston has Gone
Drafted with the 29th overall pick in 2016, Frederic made his NHL debut in 2018. He has had a consistent role in the Bruins lineup since the 2020 season. The St. Louis native has played a total of 336 regular season games with Boston. He’s notched 55 goals and 54 assists for 109 points. Although his team has been in the playoffs every year of his career, Frederic has only played in 22 postseason games. Last year 13 of those came. He totaled three goals and two assists for five points. He had his best season in 2023-24 where he scored a career high 18 goals, 22 assists totalling 40 points in 82 games. Frederic has been a fan favourite in Boston. This is due to his ability to get in the dirty areas as well as his willingness to drop the gloves, having a respectable 41 career fights.
Brazeau has been in the Bruins system since the 2021-22 season, where he spent his time with the Maine Mariners of the ECHL and the Providence Bruins of the AHL. The New Liskeard, Ontario native played 167 games for the baby Bruins before making the jump to the big leagues last season. In his 73 games representing the black and gold, the winger has totalled 27 points, having 12 assists while scoring 15 goals. He appeared in nine playoff games last season, notching a goal and an assist. The big-bodied winger has been a pleasant surprise for the Bruins since finally getting his shot in the show.
Both players have had positive contributions for the B’s, which is why they’re receiving trade interest. If they’re moved, teams will receive hard workers who have size, grit and the ability to add depth scoring to the bottom six.
Main photo by: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
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