There’s a reason why players like Trent Frederic are valued in today’s NHL.
While hockey now emphasizes speed and skill, Frederic’s game harkens back to the snarl that was once commonplace.
The pugnacious forward has the prickly disposition (and right hook) needed to dole out punishment on the ice. But the 25-year-old is not cut from the same cloth as the fourth-line goons or pure scrappers of yesteryear.
Frederic’s growth as a two-way contributor during the 2022-23 season played a key role in Boston’s depth-scoring deluge. Along with his physical play, he added a career-high 17 goals and 31 points.