Forward Drawing Interest Makes For Intriguing Devils Trade Option

From the look of it, the New Jersey Devils are going to be Stanley Cup Playoff contenders. Through 15 games, the Devils have accrued 18 points, which puts them on pace for roughly 100 points through an 82-game season. The fact of the matter is, they have yet to even reach their full potential, although are dealing with a bit of an injury bug. According to one NHL insider, there is a forward who is drawing significant NHL trade interest that could help fill the void via a Devils trade.

According to Kevin Weekes, Boston Bruins forward Trent Frederic is an asset many teams are looking at. The 26-year-old forward is on an expiring contract with a $2.3 million cap hit. The fact of the matter is things in Boston aren’t exactly going according to plan. In fact, Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery has even been forced to bench David Pastrnak as a result of poor play.

It’s still early, but Bruins general manager Don Sweeney could be forced to make some tough decisions.

Enter the Devils, who are already minus a couple of their heavy hitters.

Curtis Lazar underwent a knee operation last week. Although there has been no definitive timeline on his recovery, the expectation is that he could be back sometime this season. However, there’s a decent chance he doesn’t return to the lineup before the spring, or perhaps not before the postseason begins.

Additionally, forward Nathan Bastian is sidelined for several weeks due to a jaw injury.

Now, Frederic is more likely an NHL Trade Deadline acquisition. Therefore, it’s likely Bastian returns to the Devils’ lineup and takes back his place on the fourth line barring any setbacks. However, the Devils are minus a fourth line center — which Justin Dowling is currently filling.

In terms of replacing Lazar, Frederic certainly makes for an intriguing option. The 6-foot-3, 220 lb forward plays a heavy game much like Lazar, and is significantly bigger by three inches and nearly 20 pounds. Despite his large frame, Frederic can move on his skates with considerable speed, which only makes his physicality and toughness more menacing.

Typically, Frederic plays the wing. However, he does have experience at the center position, playing nearly 20% down the middle in the NHL, according to CapWages.

This season, Frederic has accrued just a goal and three points in 13 games thus far. However, over the last two seasons, Frederic has provided more consistent offense and appears to be a victim of his teams overall demise. In 2022-23, Frederic broke out for 17 goals and 31 points in 79 games, adding 105 hits in the process. However, his strongest season came in 2023-24 when he registered 18 goals, 40 points, and 204 hits in 82 games.

Frederic also isn’t afraid to mix it up, participating in seven fights last season and already has one under his belt in 2024-25.

If Lazar’s recovery keeps him out through the NHL trade deadline, a Devils trade for Frederic certainly makes sense to fill his void. Looking ahead to this summer, Frederic is even an intriguing candidate to replace one or both of the injured forwards as more than just a rental for the Devils’ bottom six.

This one is worth keeping an eye on.

READ MORE: It’s Time For the Devils to Make the Right Decision For Simon Nemec

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