David Pastrnak has been on the ice for all of the Boston Bruins’ last five games, a stretch in which they have struggled mightily and suffered crushing defeats. Now, they head into a crucial matchup against Sidney Crosby’s Pittsburgh Penguins desperately needing a win to climb in the standings.
According to Chris Johnston, the Bruins will be without Trent Frederic, who is sidelined not only for the March 1 game against the Penguins but also for multiple upcoming games due to a lower-body injury. Frederic’s status is currently listed as “week to week,” making his return uncertain.
The last time Frederic and Pastrnak faced Crosby and the Penguins was on November 29, 2024, a game that ended in a 2-1 loss for the Bruins. That matchup was the first of the regular-season series between the two teams, which will conclude on April 13 in Pittsburgh.
Right now, the Bruins need every possible win to improve their position in the wild-card race. They currently sit in fifth place, trailing both the Ottawa Senators and New York Rangers. All three teams have 62 points, battling for the final playoff spots occupied by the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets.
Trade Speculation Surrounding Frederic
Despite Frederic’s injury, Chris Johnston reports that it is unlikely to impact potential trade discussions. The Bruins forward is in the final year of his contract, set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season, making him a possible trade candidate. According to TSN’s report, teams could still pursue Frederic for next season despite his current injury.
Trent Frederic’s stats for the current season
Trent Frederic has had a challenging 2024-25 NHL season with the Boston Bruins. In 57 games, he has scored 8 goals and provided 7 assists, totaling 15 points. Despite his efforts, Frederic has a -14 plus/minus rating and has accumulated 44 penalty minutes. His physical play remains a key aspect of his game, but the Bruins have struggled overall this season.