Bruins’ Trent Frederic week-to-week with lower-body injury

Boston Bruins forward Trent Frederic is sidelined on a week-to-week basis due to a lower-body injury, reports Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston.

Facing the Atlantic Division rival Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday, Frederic exited early in the second period after sustaining the injury and did not return. Frederic ultimately wrapped up the night with 5:28 in ice time.

Through 57 appearances with the Bruins this season, Frederic has scored eight times and added seven assists for 15 points coupled with 44 penalty minutes and a minus-14 rating.

Originally chosen 29th overall by Boston in the 2016 NHL Draft, Frederic is skating in his seventh season with the Bruins. Through that stretch, the 2023-24 campaign was a banner year for the 27-year-old native of St. Louis, Mo., as he reached career highs in all major offensive categories counting 18 goals, 22 assists, and 40 points. In all, Frederic has registered 55 goals and 54 assists for 109 points through 337 career contests. Frederic has also added three goals and two assists for five points through 22 appearances in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

In the final year of a two-year pact that carries a $2.3-million annual average value, the pending unrestricted free agent is considered a player of interest ahead of the looming March 7 NHL trade deadline, ranking 19th on Frank Seravalli’s latest Trade Targets board.

Complicating Frederic’s future, however, is the Bruins’ position in the Eastern Conference standings. Through 59 games this season, Boston stands 27-24-8 and only two points back of the Columbus Blue Jackets for the second wildcard position.

The Bruins have five games remaining prior to the trade deadline, beginning Thursday against the New York Islanders. Should the Bruins fail to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, it will mark the first time the club has done so since 2016.