Trent Frederic will likely be a trade deadline target for the New York Rangers

As the NHL trade deadline approaches, teams across the league are making their final preparations to bolster their rosters for a playoff push. Among the teams expected to be active in the trade market, the New York Rangers are standing out as a prime contender looking to make significant additions to their roster. With their eyes firmly set on a deep playoff run, the Rangers are looking for players who can bring both physicality and skill to complement their star-studded lineup.

One name that has recently emerged as a potential target for the Rangers is Trent Frederic, the Boston Bruins’ hard-hitting forward. While Frederic may not be the most flashy name in the league, his combination of grit, size, and offensive upside make him an intriguing option for the Rangers as they look to strengthen their roster before the trade deadline.

The New York Rangers’ Trade Deadline Strategy

Before diving into why Frederic may be on the radar for the Rangers, it’s important to understand the team’s overall strategy at the trade deadline. The Rangers are a team on the rise, with an impressive blend of young talent and veteran leadership. At the top of their roster are the likes of Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Chris Kreider, who provide the offensive firepower, while in goal, Igor Shesterkin remains one of the top netminders in the league.

However, despite their impressive roster, the Rangers have areas that need addressing if they are to make a serious run at the Stanley Cup. One of these areas is depth, particularly in the bottom six forward group. While their top line is potent, the Rangers need more consistency and physicality in their middle and bottom lines to be able to compete with the deep, hard-hitting teams that populate the Eastern Conference.

Enter Trent Frederic, a player who could bring exactly what the Rangers need: size, physicality, and an increasing offensive presence. A trade for Frederic could allow the Rangers to address these needs while also adding another player who fits well into the team’s overall identity.

Trent Frederic: A Physical Presence with Upside

At 6-foot-2 and over 200 pounds, Frederic is known for his physical play. He’s never been afraid to drop the gloves, and his aggressive style makes him a key presence on the ice, especially when the game starts to get heated. For the Rangers, adding a player like Frederic could help balance their lineup, providing them with an enforcer-type player who can also contribute offensively.

While Frederic may be best known for his toughness and physicality, there’s more to his game than just fighting and throwing hits. Over the past couple of seasons, Frederic has shown significant improvement in his offensive game, something that would make him even more appealing to a team like the Rangers.

During the 2023-2024 season, Frederic posted some of his best offensive numbers, recording a career-high in points and assists. He is a capable offensive player who can contribute on the power play and in key situations, making him more than just a fourth-line energy player. For the Rangers, who could benefit from some additional scoring depth, Frederic’s ability to chip in offensively could be a big asset, especially on a third or fourth line that has struggled at times to generate consistent offense.

His offensive production isn’t the only thing that has made him stand out. Frederic also brings an element of versatility to the table. He is capable of playing both center and wing, which gives his potential new team flexibility in their lineup construction. The Rangers could use him in a variety of roles, depending on what they need, whether it’s for additional scoring or added physicality in a bottom-six role.

The Rangers’ Need for Depth and Physicality

One of the most pressing needs for the Rangers heading into the trade deadline is depth, especially in their bottom six. Despite the brilliance of their top forward lines, the Rangers have occasionally struggled when it comes to generating offense from their middle and lower lines. In the NHL, a deep roster is crucial, especially as the season progresses and injuries start to take their toll. Teams that are strong in all four lines are much more likely to succeed in the grueling postseason, where matchups often hinge on who can sustain their intensity for longer periods.

Trent Frederic, with his ability to both contribute offensively and play a hard-nosed, physical game, would be an ideal fit in the Rangers’ bottom six. His presence would not only add another scoring option, but he could also help provide additional grit and physicality, which the Rangers need in order to match up against some of the tougher teams in the Eastern Conference.

In the playoffs, teams like the Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Carolina Hurricanes rely on their physicality to wear down opponents. The Rangers, while highly skilled, would benefit from having someone who can add some muscle to their lineup, especially when facing off against these powerhouses. Frederic’s ability to get under the skin of opposing players while also contributing offensively would make him a valuable asset in the postseason.

A Potential Fit with the Rangers’ Lineup

Assuming that the Rangers are able to acquire Frederic, the next question becomes how he would fit into their lineup. As mentioned, Frederic has the versatility to play both center and wing, which gives the Rangers multiple options for slotting him in.

If the Rangers are looking to add more depth to their bottom six, Frederic would likely slot in as a winger on a third or fourth line, depending on the matchup. His physicality and presence on the ice would complement the speed and skill of the Rangers’ current bottom-six players, creating a more well-rounded group that can contribute in all areas.

Frederic’s ability to play center could also allow the Rangers to experiment with him in different roles. Should they need more support down the middle, Frederic could provide a solid option as a third-line center. His faceoff ability has been a key part of his game, and adding a solid faceoff man to their lineup would only enhance the Rangers’ ability to control the puck and establish their game.

Additionally, Frederic’s presence could allow the Rangers to better utilize their skill players in more offensive situations. Players like Alexis Lafrenière, Kaapo Kakko, or Filip Chytil could benefit from having a more physical player like Frederic on their line, as his ability to protect the puck and create space would give them more opportunities to showcase their offensive talents.

The Boston Bruins’ Position and Possible Trade Scenarios

The Boston Bruins are in an interesting position as the trade deadline approaches. While they have been a powerhouse in the NHL over the past few seasons, they also face some difficult decisions regarding their roster. With a deep, veteran-laden lineup, the Bruins may be inclined to move some players in order to free up cap space or to bring in assets for the future. Frederic, while valuable, could be one of the players the Bruins are willing to part with in the right trade.

From the Rangers’ perspective, acquiring Frederic would likely involve parting with some combination of draft picks, prospects, or a depth player. The Rangers have a strong pool of young talent, including players like Will Cuylle, Brennan Othmann, and even Nils Lundkvist, who could pique the Bruins’ interest as part of a deal. Given Frederic’s potential, the Rangers would likely be willing to make a significant offer, especially if they feel that he could be the missing piece in their lineup heading into the playoffs.

The key for the Rangers will be finding a deal that makes sense for both teams. With the Bruins looking to maintain their competitive edge while also planning for the future, a trade involving Frederic could provide both sides with a win. The Rangers get the depth and physicality they need, while the Bruins could add more future assets or salary cap flexibility.