Boston Bruins off-season filled with critical decisions regarding RFA, for the 2023-24 season

Trent Frederic,

a talented 25-year-old forward, has expressed his unwavering desire to remain a Bruin. He and his agent, Allain Roy, have engaged in discussions with General Manager Don Sweeney regarding a new contract.

Frederic's exceptional performance in the previous season has elevated his value in the eyes of the Bruins. Not only did he achieve career-high numbers in goals, assists, and points, but he also showcased the physicality and gritty play that Boston craves.

With an impressive stat line of 17 goals, 14 assists, 31 points, and an incredible 30 fights in 79 games, Frederic has undoubtedly proven his worth and merits a significant pay raise from his previous $1.05 million cap hit. His desire to remain with the Bruins for the long term has been made crystal clear.

The future looks bright for Frederic in a Bruins jersey. If veteran center Tomas Nosek departs in free agency, as anticipated, Frederic is likely to be offered a new contract and assume the vital role of centering the fourth line.

This opportunity to play at his natural position on a full-time basis has Frederic eagerly looking forward to the upcoming season.

However, if the Bruins find themselves without the services of their captain Patrice Bergeron and veteran center David Krejci, Frederic may have the chance to seize the third-line center slot.

While the team is exploring the NHL trade market for potential center options, the constraints of the salary cap make it unlikely that they will acquire one through unrestricted free agency.

In such a scenario, the Bruins would heavily rely on Frederic to elevate his game and take on an expanded role as a key figure in the middle of the ice.

While Frederic is eager to continue his career with the Bruins, he understands that the final decision rests in the hands of the team's front office. As a restricted free agent, he lacks the freedom to explore other opportunities.

Nevertheless, Frederic remains hopeful that the Bruins will recognize his value and bring him back, emphasizing his strong desire to remain a Bruin for as long as possible.

Alongside Frederic, goaltender Jeremy Swayman also finds himself as a restricted free agent in need of a new contract. Swayman's outstanding performance as part of the William M. Jennings Trophy-winning goalie tandem has solidified his standing within the team.

Like Frederic, Swayman shares the sentiment of wanting to continue his career in Boston, entrusting his contract negotiations to his agent. The Bruins must extend qualifying offers to both Frederic and Swayman to retain their negotiating rights.

Failing to do so would allow the players to become unrestricted free agents, increasing the urgency to reach mutually beneficial agreements.

While the contract negotiations are ongoing, both Frederic and Swayman remain focused on their respective roles within the team. Frederic believes he has even more to offer as a player and eagerly anticipates continuing his growth with the Bruins in the upcoming seasons.

Swayman, on the other hand, embraces the negotiation process and plans to remain in Boston before taking the time to visit his family in Alaska.

Both players maintain an optimistic outlook regarding their futures with the Bruins and are confident that the ongoing negotiations will result in positive outcomes.

Source: Nhlrumors