Murphy: Will The Bruins Expose Frederic In NHL Expansion Draft? | BHN+

Will the Boston Bruins expose forward Trent Frederic in the NHL Expansion Draft on July 21?

Despite inking the 25-year-old forward to a two-year contract with an annual cap value of $1.05 million per season on Friday, the Bruins may choose to expose Frederic to the Seattle Kraken in order to keep fellow 25-year-old forward Nick Ritchie and 24-year-old winger Jake DeBrusk. 

“That wouldn’t surprise me at all now,” a prominent NHL scout told Boston Hockey Now on Saturday. “I don’t know what happened when he came back from COVID but I was stunned they didn’t put the kid in against the Islanders. I figured a young kid like Frederic would be the exact type of spark they could have used. He’s physical, fearless, and energetic. I understand that maybe he’s a little too much of those at times but that could’ve been a game-changer if you ask me.”

This scout wasn’t the only one wondering what happened to Frederic down the stretch run after becoming an instant fan favorite with his high-octane and physical game. He instantly had the collective heart of Boston Bruins fans when he fought arguably the toughest player in the league, Tom Wilson, twice. While he held his own against Wilson, Frederic failed to hold his spot in the lineup after a bout with COVID and a pattern of undisciplined play.