What the Trent Frederic Trade Means for the Bruins’ Playoff Push

With the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline fast approaching this Friday, teams across the league are making critical moves to solidify their playoff chances. The Boston Bruins have already made a bold decision by trading Trent Frederic, a move that raises questions about their identity and postseason readiness. As the deadline looms, speculation continues about which other names could be on the move. Here are three top trade candidates to watch as the deadline approaches. Now the big question remains: Was this the right move to help Boston climb the Eastern Conference standings?

What Does This Trade Mean for the Bruins?

By sending Frederic, along with Max Jones, to Edmonton in a three-way deal with the Oilers and New Jersey Devils, the Bruins acquired a 2025 second-round pick, a 2026 fourth-round pick, and 21-year-old defensive prospect Max Wanner. While this move provides future assets and defensive depth, it does little to address Boston’s immediate needs as they push toward the playoffs. Wanner, known as a shutdown defenseman, brings strong positioning and physicality, but he is still developing and may not be ready for NHL action immediately. The Bruins’ decision to prioritize draft picks over an established forward suggests they are thinking about long-term stability rather than an immediate boost. Whether they intend to use these assets for future trades or keep them for rebuilding remains to be seen, but for now, the trade does not directly strengthen their playoff push.

Frederic was a physical, two-way forward who embodied the Bruins’ identity of blending toughness with skill. In 57 games this season, he posted 15 points with eight goals and seven assists, but his impact extended beyond scoring. He averaged two hits per game, the highest of his career, and totaled 672 hits across 337 career games, solidifying his role as one of Boston’s most physical forwards. His ability to engage in board battles and disrupt opponents with his forechecking made him a valuable presence, particularly in grinding, low-scoring matchups. Losing that physical edge could alter the way the Bruins approach tight defensive games, forcing them to rely more on finesse rather than overpowering opponents with strength. Over the last three seasons, he also became a reliable bottom-six scorer, contributing 40 points on 18 goals and 22 assists in 82 games last season and 31 points on 17 goals and 14 assists the year prior. His strong defensive awareness was evident in his ability to create turnovers and limit mistakes, reinforcing his role as a dependable two-way forward.

Losing Frederic and Jones without receiving an NHL-ready forward in return raises concerns about the team’s immediate competitiveness. The Bruins’ "Big Bad Bruins" reputation has long been built on physicality and defensive responsibility, two qualities Frederic embodied. Without him, Boston may struggle to match the physicality and grit that have historically made them a difficult playoff opponent. His absence could be especially noticeable in matchups against teams like the Florida Panthers or New York Islanders, who thrive on a heavy, aggressive playing style. Unlike past years when the Bruins have made deadline moves to add grit, this trade shifts them toward a different approach—one that may come with risks if they do not find another way to replace his presence.

Who Fills the Void?

With Frederic gone and injuries affecting key players like Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy, the Bruins will need others to step up in his absence. Morgan Geekie may take on a more prominent role in the bottom six, while Jakub Lauko and John Beecher could see increased ice time to bring physicality to the lineup. Defensively, Boston may lean on Nikita Zadorov and Brandon Carlo to maintain their physical presence, especially with McAvoy out. If the Bruins feel they lack enough grit, they could look to the AHL for reinforcements, with Justin Brazeau being a potential call-up to add size and toughness to the forward group.

Are the Bruins in a Better Position After This Trade?

This trade doesn’t immediately improve the Bruins’ roster. Instead, acquiring draft picks and a defensive prospect signals that the team is thinking beyond this season—something no contending fanbase wants to hear ahead of a playoff push. Without adding a roster-ready player, Boston now faces two options: they can rely on internal depth, meaning someone from their bottom six will need to step up and play a more physical role, or they can make another move before the deadline to address their forward depth.

As it stands, the trade neither significantly helps nor hurts the Bruins, but it does leave them vulnerable. If they stand pat, they risk losing the physical edge needed for postseason success. However, with the deadline just days away, there is still time to make another move and solidify their lineup before heading into the final stretch of the season. Whether the Bruins are willing to take that next step or ride out their current roster will determine how far they can go in the 2025 NHL Playoffs.