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.

Trent Frederic has the grit, goals, and playoff bite the New York Rangers were missing

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.Trent Frederic lives for that kind of hockey.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.At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, he brings a level of physicality the Rangers don’t have much of right now. Think of him as a younger, slightly more skilled version of Barclay Goodrow. He can slide into the bottom six, play center or wing, and give Mike Sullivan a trusted option when things get tight.And at a projected $2.5 to $3.25 million per year, he won’t mess with the cap. He fits Chris Drury’s "win now and later" mindset perfectly.

At 27, Frederic still has runway. He’s not a stopgap—he’s a playoff piece.The Rangers don’t need more flash. They need fire. Frederic gives them that—without breaking the bank or the structure. He’s not the kind of signing that makes waves on July 1, but come spring? He’s the kind of guy who makes all the difference.Also Read: Vegas Golden Knights announce 2025 road trip with free Hockey clinics for kids