The Boston Bruins find themselves in a somewhat awkward position due to high interest from rival National Hockey League teams.

Popular Bruins forward Trent Frederic will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the current season, meaning the Bruins will either have to sign him to a new deal before that happens or risk losing lose Frederic for nothing on the free market. This situation could become more difficult by the day for the Bruins with indications that many other teams are interested in acquiring Frederic either via trade or as a free agent this summer.

On Saturday night, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that a number of NHL teams were interested in potentially acquiring Frederic, even before the upcoming holiday roster freeze.

“There are names that people hear about,” Friedman said. “One of them… is Trent Frederic of the Boston Bruins, who hasn’t signed for next year.”

Interest from opposing teams has likely already raised the price of what it would cost the Bruins to retain Frederic on a new contract, but on the other hand, it will likely raise the price of any return that they could receive by moving it in a trade. . According to Friedman, several teams around the league have already called the Bruins to inquire about their plans for Frédéric’s future.

“The Bruins get a lot of calls,” Friedman said of Frederic. “He’s a guy that’s really generating a lot of interest.”

Frédéric is a capable forward who has 5 goals and 6 assists for a total of 11 points in 32 games with the Bruins this season, but what may be most appealing to opposing teams is his tough style of play on the ice. Frédéric has never been afraid of the more physical aspects of the game and has shown again this season on several occasions that he is willing to drop the gloves when necessary.