The Boston Bruins on Friday selected U.S. National Development Team center Trent Frederic with the 29th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft.
While few were surprised to see the Bruins use the 14th overall pick on Boston University defenseman Charlie McAvoy, Frederic, who is headed to the University of Wisconsin this fall, was a much more puzzling selection.
As was the case with Zach Senyshyn, whom the Bruins drafted 15th overall last year, Frederic was not expected to come off the board nearly as early as he did. The 18-year-old was ranked 47th in NHL Central Scouting’s list of North American skaters, and most experts had him pegged as a late second- or third-round pick.
What does Frederic bring to the table? He has good size for a forward (6-foot-2, 203 pounds) and, according to scouts, plays a heavy, two-way game.
Frederic played in 61 games for the U.S. National U-18 team this past season, tallying 20 goals and 20 assists. He also represented the U.S. in the 2016 World Junior Championship, notching four goals and three helpers in seven games.
A St. Louis native, Frederic was the 12th American-born player selected in the first round Friday, breaking the country’s previous single-draft record of 11 first-rounders.
“I’m pumped,” Frederic told reporters after hearing his name called, via BostonBruins.com. “It’s awesome. I’ve been to Boston many times growing up. It’s one of my favorite cities — I’m not lying to you about that one, just cause I’m drafted by them. It’s a great city and a great organization so I’m pretty excited.”
Thumbnail photo via Timothy T. Ludwig/USA TODAY Sports Images
