The Toronto Maple Leafs need forward help thanks to several key injuries. They are missing generational centre, Auston Matthews, top-nine complements Matthew Knies, Max Domi, and Max Pacioretty, and depth forwards David Kampf and Calle Jarnkrok. Matthews just started skating after a multi-week absence, Knies is day-to-day, Domi has been on injured reserve (IR) since Wednesday, and all of Pacioretty, Kampf, and Jarnkrok have been placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) and are not expected back in the lineup anytime soon.
Meanwhile, in the Atlantic Division, the Boston Bruins have faltered after lofty preseason expectations. They have struggled to score, and their usually superb goaltending has been unable to cover the holes that have become apparent in their defence. As a result, head coach Jim Montgomery was relieved of his duties on Tuesday, and they could begin to sell some of their more coveted assets if they cannot right the ship.
The Maple Leafs, who have historically lacked depth as a byproduct of their superstar forwards each making $10 million or more, there are a few good Bruins forwards who should be on general manager Brad Treliving’s radar to help cover for injuries.
Trent Frederic
Trent Frederic is in the last year of his two-year, $2.3 million AAV contract. The 26-year-old power forward has compiled exactly 50 goals and 50 assists in 301 career games and has fully established himself as a superb third-line energy player. Over the past four seasons, he has consistently performed well, with an expected goals share (xGF%) of 50% or more in every campaign, including seasons of 53.54% and 54.60% in 2021-22 and 2022-23. In addition, the Bruins have controlled most of the high-danger scoring chances share (HDCF%) when he is on the ice.
Related: Breaking Down the Maple Leafs’ Roster Puzzle, Injuries, and Cap Constraints
Frederic could serve as a better version of Ryan Reaves, the gritty fourth-liner who doesn’t contribute much outside of engaging in the occasional fisticuffs. At 6-foot-3, 221 pounds, Frederic has collected nearly 300 penalty minutes (PIM) in as many games and is no stranger to dropping the mitts, with 10 fighting majors in his career.
If they were to pursue him, the Maple Leafs could bench or be rid of the inferior Reaves in exchange for a similar playstyle that can result in goals. In terms of acquisition cost, it’s reasonable to assume that Frederic is a highly-regarded piece…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at The Hockey Writers…