Trent Frederic wins Bruins 7th player award in 2024

After orchestrating an exceptional season in 2022-23, Bruins forward Trent Frederic showed this year that his offensive momentum was not just a flash in the pan.

The 26-year-old forward has become a key part of Boston’s third line this season, setting new career highs in goals (18), assists (22) and points (40).

In recognition of his efforts, Frédéric was named the winner of the 7th Bruins Player of the Year award for the 2023-24 season on Tuesday evening.

The award, voted on by fans, is given annually to the player who exceeded expectations during the regular season.

Fans had no shortage of viable candidates to choose from in a season where the Bruins were buoyed by other under-the-radar pickups like Danton Heinen, Morgan Geekie, James van Riemsdyk and Parker Wotherspoon.

Frederic has been a valuable asset further down Boston’s depth chart over the past few seasons thanks to his coveted size, grunt and punch.

But with Charlie Coyle moving out of the third line this season, it falls to Frederic to run the play as a staple in the bottom six. The former first-round pick has more than delivered, ranking fourth among Boston skaters in even-strength goals (16) and even-strength points (38) this year.

Frédéric’s physique will be necessary in the playoffs, especially on the third line. The St. Louis native had a playoff run to forget in 2023, appearing in just five of Boston’s seven games against the Panthers and failing to record a single point.

In addition to the 7th Player Award trophy, Frédéric will receive $5,000 to donate to a charity of his choice. Frédéric chose to donate to Casting for Kids, a fishing tournament dedicated to raising funds for children battling cancer at American Family Children’s Hospital and the Carbone Cancer Center at the University of Wisconsin.

Previous Bruins 7th Player Award recipients who still remain on Boston’s roster include Pavel Zacha (2023), Jeremy Swayman (2022), Charlie Coyle (2020), Charlie McAvoy (2018), David Pastrnak (2017, 2015) and Brad Marchand. (2016, 2011).