Trent Frederic immediately became a fan favorite in Boston.

His ability to bring physicality to the ice and not shy away from any opponent quickly gained the respect of Bruins fans.

His eagerness to get under the skin and go toe-to-toe with players like P.K. Subban and Tom Wilson only grew that respect.

Now, after signing a two-year, one-way contract last week worth $1.02 million annually, Frederic hopes to be more than a physical fourth-line spark plug.

Out of a brief training camp, Frederic made the opening night roster last seaosn, playing in 42 games total. Eventually, Frederic hit the rookie wall that so many before him have hit and his game took a step back.

Then, in April Frederic came down with a non-COVID illness, one he really never fully recovered from.

“I had a fever. I think it was lower 100s for a couple days, so we don't really know exactly what it was, but it wasn't COVID. It was worse than when I had COVID, to be honest,” said Frederic.

Frederic’s physicality and willingness to go at it with anyone in the league kept Frederic in the lineup to start. But once teams stopped engaging with Frederic physically, his production was non-existent, making him a non-factor on most nights.

“I think it was a good year. I think I came out hot. I'm sure there's points where I wasn't as good of a player as I wanted to be and there's times where I played well,” said Frederic. “I thought overall it was a good season.”

When the Bruins acquired Curtis Lazar and Taylor Hall at the trade deadline, Lazar’s placement on the fourth line made Frederic’s path back into the lineup more difficult.

Frederic served as a healthy scratch for all 11 of the Bruins playoff games.

“It was a bummer we came up short, but overall, it was a good season,” said Frederic. “What I need to work on is probably just my skating, more confidence with the puck. Making that right play with confidence, I guess.”

Frederic entered the season with 17 NHL games under his belt. This past season was his first real introduction to the daily grind of a National Hockey League season.

Now, with things going back to normal for the upcoming 2021-22 season, Frederic hopes to build off of his experiences from last season.

“I think this was just the beginning for my hockey career, and I think I have a lot more to offer. Obviously, I was disappointed that we didn't make it and that we're not playing right now,” said Frederic. “Obviously, I wanted to help out as well. But everything happens for a reason and sometimes it's out of your control and you just have to keep working hard and work for the next day.”

While Lazar will likely be the fourth line center to start the season, the line could look a little different next season.

Sean Kuraly is an unrestricted free agent and unlikely to return to Boston. Chris Wagner Is no lock for an everyday role on the fourth line. And, given general manager Don Sweeney’s track record, it’s likely the Bruins bring in some much needed bottom-six depth in free agency.

As it has been in years past, a job on the Bruins fourth line will be a competition that begins from day one of training camp.

Frederic knows nothing is guaranteed in the NHL. He’s ready to come in and earn a spot in the Bruins lineup.

"Obviously, I have to come in next year and prove my worth, just getting in the lineup,” said Frederic.

“Then just like any year, lines get shuffled and there's something to be said for Game 1 or Game 2, or Game 52 could be completely different.”

Join the Discussion: » 5 Comments » Post New Comment

» The End of an Era?

» Linus Ullmark or Jeremy Swayman in Game 7?

» Home Not So Sweet Home

» Bruins Depth On Full Display In Sunrise Sweep

» Bruins Drop Game 2 After Ugly Performance