Once an afterthought, Trent Frederic arrived with second-straight impressive season - and 7th Player Award

It wasn't so long ago that, when it came to Trent Frederic, Bruins fans had modest expectations despite the forward being a first-round pick in 2016.

A solid fourth-liner who could grind and would be hard in the corners. The occasional fight to liven the crowd and his teammates. Loved being an agitator to a picked out opposing player.

However, after his first two seasons (2020-22), most would have been hard-pressed to expect much offense out of Frederic, after he totaled 12 goals in his first 102 games.

But last season he jumped to 17 goals and 31 points.

Could have been a fluke. No one was really sure.

Safe to say that now, after another 18 goals and 40 points this past season for the Bruins, who start the postseason at home on Saturday night against the Maple Leafs, Frederic is no longer a surprise.

In fact, he's become an invaluable contributor - and a fan favorite. That culminated with him winning the 2024 NESN 7th Player Award winner on Tuesday night before the season finale against the Senators. The award is selected by the fans for a Boston player who exceeded their expectations.

The fans had a wide variety of options to choose from this year, including Danton Heinen, Morgan Geekie, James Van Riemsdyk and Parker Wotherspoon. However, the award went to Frederic, who recorded new career highs this season in goals (18), assists (22) and points (40). Among the Boston players, Frederic ranks in the top five in even strength goals (fourth with 16) and even strength points (fourth with 38). 

Past winners of the award include Pavel Zacha (2023), Jeremy Swayman (2022), Charlie Coyle (2020), Charlie McAvoy (2018), David Pastrnak (2017, 2015) and Brad Marchand (2016, 2011). 

That's pretty good company.

“It was really cool," said Frederic. "It’s voted on by the fans, so that’s nice that they like me. I’m sure my parents and family got involved in voting too."

“I just wanted to be better than last year. Just keep working on my game and I think I worked on all that stuff over the summer and it’s all about getting better every day,” said Frederic, who also mentioned that he has worked on shooting in better spots on the ice rather than chucking the puck at the net. 

Frederic, known for his size and scoring ability, took on a bigger role this season when Coyle was moved to the third line. 

“He carried the momentum from last year into this year and played very well. Very dominant player a lot of nights, much more confident this year, a lot of pucks carrying into the neutral zone. He’s got an incredible shot you can see when he shoots it, he’s very dangerous,” Marchand said of Frederic. “So, great to see him get rewarded with that, he’s definitely earned it. He’s worked extremely hard on his game, and he’s grown a ton so looking forward to continuing to see that growth from him."

The St. Louis, Missouri native was also given $5,000 to donate to any charity of his choice, which he will use towards Casting for Kids, a fishing tournament which is dedicated to raising funds for kids fighting cancer at the American Family Children’s Hospital and the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center. 

Frederic grew up a Blues fan and his favorite players were Keith Tkachuk and David Backes. Frederic wound up being coached by Tkachuk and Jeff Brown growing up. After playing three sports in high school, Frederic was originally recruited to play college hockey at Boston University but opted for the Wisconsin Badgers. However, the Bruins had selected him in the first round (29th overall) of the 2016 NHL Entry Level Draft. Frederic chose to still attend Wisconsin where he was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year as well as the Spike Carlson-Chris Chelios award for the Badgers Most Valuable Player award. 

After starting with the Bruins in Providence in the American Hockey League, Frederic was called up in January of the 2018-2019 season where he played in 15 games and recorded no points. Frederic made his way back up to the NHL during the 2019-2020 season due to injuries and only appeared in two games before being sent back down. However, he made a name for himself in Providence that year with 8 goals and 32 points in 59 games. Frederic was later selected to join the team in Toronto during the pandemic but caught COVID-19 and was unable to play. 

The Bruins will need Frederic to continue to play at the top of his game for any hopes of a deep playoff run. 

“I think it’s his assertiveness and playing direct. And playing direct, with and without the puck, going to the net,” coach Jim Montgomery said earlier this season when asked what’s impressed him most of Frederic’s game this year. “I don’t think he’s trying to make east-west plays as often as he is making north plays. And it’s a big difference. 

"I’ve said it before, his speed is underrated. When he gets flying, he can skate as good as anyone in the league. And that goal he scored (in Columbus), he beat two people up the ice to get that opportunity. And then the hands, they’ve never been questioned. He’s got a great shot, he has soft hands, he can deflect pucks. And I think having guys like JVR around and (Milan Lucic) earlier in the year, guys that know how to own the net front, that’s been a big development in him as well.”