Trent Frederic

Lore & Background

Frederic was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, to Bob and Gaye Frederic, both lifelong St. Louis Blues fans. His childhood hockey coaches included former Blues players Keith Tkachuk and David Backes, and he modeled his playing style after Backes. He played three sports in childhood, coached by former professionals, and attended De Smet Jesuit High School before joining the USA Hockey National Team Development Program in 2013. Frederic spent two seasons with the Wisconsin Badgers, serving as an alternate captain during the 2017–18 season, and was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year.

Frederic joined the Bruins for the 2018–19 season but struggled to adjust under head coach Bruce Cassidy, receiving limited playing time through the 2020–21 season. A severe non-COVID-19 illness in April 2021 sidelined him during what had been a strong rookie season. When Jim Montgomery replaced Cassidy in 2022, Frederic's confidence increased and he took on a larger role on the Bruins roster. He later played for the Edmonton Oilers.

Reader's Guide

Trent Frederic's significance lies in his development from a first-round draft pick of the Boston Bruins into a player who overcame early struggles and illness to secure a larger role under a new coaching staff. His childhood connection to St. Louis Blues legends Keith Tkachuk and David Backes shaped his playing style and early hockey career. Frederic's path included a standout college career at Wisconsin, where he was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and served as alternate captain. His NHL debut came alongside childhood hero David Backes, and he scored his first NHL goal during the NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe game. Frederic's tenure with the Bruins was marked by inconsistency and a mysterious illness that derailed a promising rookie season, but he eventually found his footing under coach Jim Montgomery. His legacy includes being part of the Bruins organization during a period of transition and contributing as a physical forward.

Did You Know?

• Frederic's childhood hockey coaches included former St. Louis Blues players Keith Tkachuk and David Backes.
• Frederic's first NHL goal came during the NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe game against the Philadelphia Flyers on February 21, 2021.
• He served as an alternate captain for the Wisconsin Badgers during the 2017–18 season.