Tag Archives: Trent Frederic

Trent Frederic

A memorable Debut For Trent Frederic

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Last night Trent Frederic made his NHL debut, and less than two periods into his NHL career became a fan favorite. There are fewer ways to win over the Bruins fan base than a good- old fashioned hockey fight, and Frederic did just that. The rookie dropped the gloves with Branden Tanev towards the end of the second period. It was a memorable debut for a prospect with high expectations.

The Bruins selected Frederic in the first round of the 2016 NHL draft. Before Frederic’s promotion, he was enjoying a solid season in Providence with ten goals and seven assists. The former Wisconsin Badger is not projected to be an electrifying top- line center. He does, however, bring value to the Bruins with his physical style of play. He is a bruising two-way center that should be able to make a living on the second or third line.

While Frederic’s stay could be brief, he showed why he could become a Garden favorite for years to come. Against Winnipeg, Frederic made it clear that he will not back down from any challenge. This is a quality that Bruins have seemed to lack so far this season. He has also improved offensively after struggling in previous oppurtunites.

With a chance at securing a roster spot on the third line in training camp, Frederic failed to seize to secure a roster spot. As a result, he began the season in Providence in order to refine his game. The improvement was evident, especially over last weekend. Before being called up, Frederic was able to record a two-goal, two-assist weekend. In thirty-seven games for Providence he was a plus four player.

Photo Credit: Jeffrey T. Barnes/ Getty Images

Alongside his childhood hero, David Backes, Frederic showed many positives. In the face-off dot, he went 4-7 and was able to land two shots on net. The former Badger was strong on the puck and landed two hits. While he didn’t light up the stat sheet, Frederic impacted the game in many other ways.

With the trade deadline looming getting a look at Frederic will be key as the Bruins look at their options. He brings a punch to the Bruins third line that they have lacked all season. While he still has a lot to learn, last night was an impressive debut for a Bruins prospect with a bright future.

Torey Krug

Boston Bruins: Torey Krug Injured; Latest Camp Transactions

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EARLY TOUGH BREAKS

Yesterday it was announced that Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug will be out following an ankle injury he sustained during the pre-season game against the Philadelphia Flyers. Following the game, there was speculation as to whether or not Krug would be ready for the opener on Wednesday. Things didn’t look too good for the 27-year-old as he was seen leaving the arena in a camwalker boot. For Bruins fans, it’s sorta of a dĂ©jĂ  vu as Krug also suffered an ankle fracture during the end of the playoff loss against the Tampa Bay Lightning. General Manager Don Sweeney also stated that Krug will be re-evaluated in three weeks.

 

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(Photo Credits: NBC Sports)

OPENING THE DOOR

Not exactly the best way to start a season, but it’s certainly not the first time this Bruins team has faced injuries early on. Last year, Boston seemed to be hit by one injury after another. As the story goes, many analysts weren’t exactly positive about the team and chalked it up as a rebuilding phase. And if you followed closely last season, the Black and Gold (with all those first-year guys) made the Playoffs. Last year’s team was all about the explosion of youth and the chemistry that the team developed; something that will hopefully carry over to this year’s team. With Krug out for a few weeks and Matt Grzelcyk nursing a lower-body injury, the reality of Urho Vaakanainen making it on the varsity team is no longer a long shot.

“He’s got poise and patience, and he’s a great skater that covers a lot of ice. He’s got to continue to get stronger and understand the physicality that he’s going to face if and when he plays. Has he passed other players? Well, he’s performed better than some other players and those players have had injuries during that time period as well. So the jockeying begins as it does at every position. He’s made the most of the opportunity he’s been given, so good for him.”-GM Don Sweeney

OTHER NOTES

Image result for PETER CEHLARIK

Photo Credits: The Canadian Press

In other Bruins news, GM Don Sweeney also announced yesterday that both forward Peter Cehlarik and center Trent Frederic have been assigned to the Providence Bruins (AHL). Frederic has recently been in the “running” for that third center line spot. Cehlarik, for his part, has been making a push to crack a spot on the Bruins roster. During the preseason, Cehlarik played four games and netted one goal with four assists. As injuries creep up, (which will happen) we may see both Cehlarik and Frederic come up from P-Bruins and fill a slot.

And lastly, Patrice Bergeron looks to be ready for the season opener. The 33-year-old center has missed all preseason and China games to rehab from a groin surgery. Coach Bruce Cassidy offered some good news:

Third Line

Who Will Be on the Bruins’ Third Line?

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The Bruins will have many battles going on before the start of the regular season. One that will be interesting to watch is how the Bruins’ third line pans out. With the departures of Riley Nash and Tim Schaller in free agency, the Bruins have holes to fill. At the moment David Backes and Danton Heinen depending on who ends up on the second line are the only locks for the third line. The Bruins have many candidates for the last spot on the third line including Chris Wagner, Trent Frederic, and Jack Studnicka. All these players will be looking to make their case with the start of the season approaching.

The New Guy

Earlier this offseason the Bruins signed Chris Wagner to a two-year deal worth 1.25 million a year. Wagner is not the most offensively gifted and is seen as a better fit on the fourth line. He brings a bottom six versatility and could play center or on the wing. He relies on his physicality and intimidation. Wagner brings toughness to the Bruins’ bottom lines which would fit well on either the third or fourth line. In order to secure a spot on the third line, he will have to show more offensively. Of these three Wagner has the most secure spot on the Bruins’ roster the only question is where he will be placed in the lineup.

Third Line

Photo Credit: Christopher Pasatierei/ Getty Images North America

Prospects Battling For the Third Line

Two players battling for the last spot are highly touted prospects. Between the two Frederic is closer to being NHL ready. The Bruins drafted Frederic in the first round of the 2016 NHL draft. He was seen as a reach at that spot due to his limited offensive ability. He will never be a thirty goal scorer but the Bruins still have high expectations for him. Frederic will most likely fill a defensive role while contributing a respectable amount of offense. Frederic will have to show that he is ready for the NHL as he has only played in 13 games at Providence. He will have to hold off another highly motivated Bruins prospect who is starting to make a name for himself.

The Bruins drafted Jack Studnicka in the second round of the 2017 NHL draft. Last season he played five games for Providence and was able to tally five points. He has the tools to be an elite scorer which was on display in the prospects challenge. He has more offensive upside than Frederic and is not afraid of standing up for his teammates. That will be key on the third line and his play has impressed the Bruins front office. In order to secure a spot he will have to continue to show his play-making ability. Even if he is sent back to Providence he has already left a good impression on the Bruins front office. He is a longshot to make the Bruins roster but he is not letting that hold him back.

Third Line

Photo Credit: Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images

Final Thoughts

All of these players are battling for a single spot. Whoever does not win will end up in Providence or in Wagner’s case on the fourth line. They are each playing with a chip on their shoulder which will only make them better. For Studnicka and Frederic, it will give the Bruins a glimpse of what they can do. They will also be battling Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson who will looking to make the jump to the NHL but will most likely start the season in Providence. The Regular season is drawing closer but this battle is only getting started and it will have an impact on the Bruins’ future.

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