Boston Bruins key forward hits the trade block according to insider Kevin Weekes

Per NHL insider Kevin Weekes, it seems that the Boston Bruins may be near trading forward Trent Frederic. Kevin Weekes reports that multiple teams have called in about the pending UFA, and his trade market is filled with interest.

The 2024-25 season has gotten off to a bit of a rocky start for Frederic and the Bruins. In 13 games thus far this year, Frederic has scored just one goal and totaled three points, a performance indicative of the team's overall early struggles. Even star forward David Pastrnak was benched by head coach Jim Montgomery earlier this week in response to the recent performance.

Looking to energize their offense, the Bruins recently signed two-time Stanley Cup champion Tyler Johnson. Others feel that Boston will have a hard time luring in any elite stars. According to a report from Mass Opportunity Alliance, via the New York Post, the Bruins could be at a disadvantage because of Massachusetts state income tax. The report points out that many of the recent Stanley Cup contenders have been based in states with no state income tax, which include Florida, Nevada, and Texas.

The tax disparity could lead to some future contract negotiations, especially with captain Brad Marchand, whose team-friendly contract expires briefly. Word is, Marchand passed on a rumored three-year offer; speculation of a possible standoff over length isn't out of the question. Just recently, the Bruins concluded another tough contract negotiation with goalie Jeremy Swayman, placing more financial pressure on the team.

Setting up the Boston Bruins for the season, overall early struggles and perhaps off-ice financial considerations may determine how the season pans out for them. Success is likely to be tied into whether they can manage not only the lineup changes but also the tides of the larger market that dictates player choice to stick around with Boston.