Trent Frederic could be the missing piece to the New York Rangers’ Stanley Cup Run
Trent Frederic could be the missing piece to the New York Rangers’ Stanley Cup Run
There’s always that one move that doesn’t make headlines but ends up being the one everyone talks about in April and May. For the New York Rangers, that move could be signing Trent Frederic. Not a superstar. Not a scorer who’ll put up 90 points. But a guy who plays with bite. A guy who shows up when the games get ugly. And after last season’s early exit, the Rangers should know by now—they need more of that.
The Rangers had the talent. Artemi Panarin had a career year. Mika Zibanejad did his thing. Adam Fox and Igor Shesterkin were as steady as ever. But when the postseason came, they got pushed around. The games slowed down, the hits got heavier, and they didn’t have enough guys willing—or able—to fight through that.
He’s not a guy you bring in to score on the power play. He’s the one who wins a puck battle in the corner, wears down a defense over 60 minutes, and stands tall when the other team tries to take liberties. He hits with purpose, plays smart in his own zone, and chips in enough offense—15, maybe 20 goals a season—to keep defenders honest.
Look at what he did with the Oilers during their Cup run. That Game 6 goal to eliminate the Kings wasn’t pretty, but it was pure Frederic—relentless forecheck, pressure at the net, and just enough finish. That’s what wins playoff games.
