New York's return to the ice in a few days when they face the Buffalo Sabres, but the trade deadline is the ticking clock we're all interested in. The New York Rangers have until March 7th to add to their roster. It's an important date for the Blueshirts if they add more "meat and potatoes" like Emily Kaplan suggests Chris Drury wants. The number one target for this is Boston Bruins forward Trent Frederic, who screams New York Ranger.
As a pending unrestricted free agent, Frederic will be linked with the Blueshirts for the foreseeable future. New York is desperate for more sandpaper, which has been the story for a while. J.T. Miller was part of the Rangers' attempt to add a little nastiness to their roster, and moving forward, the Rangers will be looking for more of the same to help them in a playoff push. This is where Trent Frederic comes into the equation.
Frederic is a bottom-six grinder who can lay explosive hits, isn't afraid to drop the gloves, and will not take any extracurricular activities lying down. That kind of emotion in the locker room can revitalize a team that feels itself is otherwise defeated. We know the Rangers get into their heads at times, and the perfect replacement for the injury to Adam Edstrom is someone who can provide a similar approach, like Trent Frederic.
Frederic has scored eight goals and seven assists in his 55 games this year, but the production is an afterthought. He's there to punch people in the face. and if the puck ends up in the net, it's a side benefit. Frederic is paid to make jaws hurt, make people pay the price physically, and wear down opponents in the postseason. If the Boston Bruins fall away from the playoff places, we'll see his name come up in rumors.