Bruins prospect is proving everyone wrong

When the Boston Bruins selected forward Trent Frederic 29th overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, fans, analysts and even other NHL teams were left wondering what the Bruins were up to. After all, Frederic had been projected to go late in the 2nd round of the draft and could even fall to the 3rd or 4th round depending on which rankings were to be believed. ISS (International Scouting Services) had him unranked. TSN’s Bob McKenzie had him slotted into the 51st position, while fellow TSN analyst Craig Button had him ranked at 100.

Even after Frederic was selected, the Bruins scouting staff were quick to point out that they weren’t expecting first line skill and production from Frederic, despite selecting him at 29th. Keith Gretzky, director of amateur scouting for the team, said at the time, “(Frederic) is not going to be a top-two line guy, we know that.” 

But one full season of NCAA hockey later and Frederic is proving the doubters, and yes even his own team, wrong. In 30 games for the University of Wisconsin, the freshman scored 15 goals and 33 points. Those look like top line statistics, no doubt. Whether his college game can translate to the NHL remains to be seen, but Bruins fans have to be happy with his development up to this point.

If the big, 6’2”, 203 lb centerman can continue along the path he’s on for the 2017-18 season and beyond, the sky is the limit in terms of development and offensive production.