6-foot-3, 220-Pound Center Emerges as Maple Leafs Trade Candidate Ahead of Free Agency

It was a very successful offseason for the Toronto Maple Leafs, at least in terms of shoring up some big holes on defense and goaltending. Adding Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Anthony Stolarz has been a massive boost to Toronto's back end, but it left the bottom half of the lineup missing some crucial pieces.

Toronto has had a severe lack of production, especially from Nick Robertson who has gone ice-cold and practically invisible since the preseason. Max Domi has slid down a hill since his hot start with William Nylander and Bobby McMann, and whoever they've shuffled in and out hasn't worked.

Toronto needs a true, big-bodied center who can make a difference; and they have one available on the market but he happens to play for one of the Maple Leafs' most heated rivals:

Per NHL Insider Kevin Weekes, Boston has several suitors for Trent Frederic, a beast of a center who can move like lightning, throw the body, and be a great penalty killer. While he's not the greatest at faceoffs, he's certainly capable, and with more reps or perhaps different coaching; it could unlock a demon.

There will, of course, be the issue of cap space, as Toronto would need to find an extra $2.3M to acquire him, however, they could dangle a variety of players to Boston who have some length on their deals like David Kampf, Calle Jarnkrok, or even part ways with Simon Benoit due to Jani Hakanpaa taking over his spot eventually.

It would take more than that to acquire Frederic, and there are no doubts other teams will try to do their best to outbid each other. Brad Treliving needs to show he's not intimidated by those offers and put together both a rational and cost-efficient trade package to entice the Bruins.

For his career, Frederic has played in 293 games since being Boston's 29th overall pick in 2016. He exploded offensively in the last two seasons, scoring 35 goals and 71 points in that span. Adding him alongside Max Domi and McMann would give Toronto a fast, scary trio that would be able to both neutralize and capitalize on any mistakes.

Brad Treliving will need to do a lot of work to acquire Trent Frederic, although it may be a small price to pay in the long run as Toronto can secure the coveted 3C they've been desperate for.