In January, insider Kevin Weekes mentioned Boston Bruins forward Trent Frederic as a “type” the New Jersey Devils might be interested in. As we move closer to the Mar. 7 deadline, Frederic’s name has been discussed more frequently, though nothing has confirmed that conversations are happening.
Related: Devils’ Ideal Post-Trade Deadline Roster
Regardless, the Devils need to steer clear of Frederic, who likely won’t move the needle enough to warrant pursuing. The 27-year-old center and pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) has just eight goals and seven assists in 56 games this season, coupled with a poor minus-14 rating. The advanced numbers back up the ugly surface numbers: According to Rono Hockey, he’s in the 22nd percentile in league offense and 34th in defense. By every stretch, he’s been a below average forward in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Why Has He Been Linked to the Devils?
Frederic has been linked to the Devils because they’re in desperate need of a center. Justin Dowling, Erik Haula and Curtis Lazar – all lineup regulars – have combined for just 20 points in 120 games. After Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier, there’s a pretty clear black hole in the center position. Dawson Mercer can play center, but he’s not great in the dot and has seemed to be deployed on the wing more often.
For the last couple seasons, Frederic seemed like a guy who could perfectly handle a 3C role on a contender. He scored 17 and 18 goals in 2022-23 and 2023-24, respectively. In both of those seasons, he held his own defensively with a combined plus-37 rating…sometimes even getting top six minutes.
Some insiders have touted his speed and physicality as reasons the Devils should pursue him. But when looking deeper, that argument makes zero sense. According to NHL EDGE, his top skating speed has dropped from 22.75 miles per hour (MPH – 77th percentile) last season to 22.05 MPH (bottom-half of league) this season. On top of that, the Devils are currently fifth in the NHL in hits. “Physicality” isn’t a good enough reason to bring in someone who doesn’t really move the needle elsewhere.
Furthermore, he’s just 43.6% in the dot this season and doesn’t play any special teams. The logic makes sense that if he could bounce back to what he was the past two seasons, he could still be a useful piece. But the Devils are in win now mode; this is…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at The Hockey Writers…