In a three-team trade, the Boston Bruins, Edmonton Oilers, and New Jersey Devils have made significant roster changes, with Trent Frederic and Max Jones at the center of the action. This trade has not only reshaped the teams involved but also provided an example of how retained salary can play a crucial role in modern NHL transactions.
The trade breaks down as follows:
Boston sends Frederic to New Jersey (50% retained) for the rights to unsigned prospect Petr Hauser.
New Jersey Sends Frederic to Edmonton (50% of remainder retained) for unsigned prospect Shane Lachance.
Boston sends Jones to Edmonton for St Louis Blues 2nd round pick in 2025 (owned by Oilers), Edmonton’s 4th round pick in 2026 and prospect Maximus Wanner.
Frederic, a 27-year-old forward, brings a physical presence to the Oilers’ lineup. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 221 pounds, Frederic has recorded 55 goals and 109 points in 337 career games with the Bruins. This season, he has eight goals and seven assists for 15 points in 57 games. Frederic’s toughness and versatility make him a valuable addition to the Oilers, who are looking to make another deep playoff run.
Jones, a 27-year-old winger, has spent most of this season in the AHL with the Providence Bruins, recording 13 goals and eight assists for 21 points in 31 games. Jones has appeared in seven NHL games this season but has yet to register a point. Despite his limited NHL production, Jones’ size and physicality make him a useful depth player for the Oilers.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this trade is the retained salary. The Bruins retained 50% of Frederic’s remaining salary, which carries an average annual value of $2.3 million. This means the Bruins will continue to pay half of Frederic’s salary. The Devils then retained 50% of the remaining salary/cap hit, making it more manageable for the Oilers to fit him under their salary cap.
The Bruins’ Return: Building for the Future
In exchange for Frederic and Jones, the Bruins received defense prospect Maximus Wanner, a 2025 second-round pick (St Louis Blues), and a 2026 fourth-round pick. They were in desperate need of replenishing not only the prospect pool, but draft currency. And they started on the latter today.
What are they getting in Wanner?
Strengths
Defensive Skills: Wanner’s primary strength lies in his defensive capabilities. He has a long reach and excellent lateral mobility, which allows him to effectively shut down opposing players. His gap control and ability to close out attackers are top-notch. There’s still some work to be done.
Physicality: Wanner is not afraid to use his size to his advantage. He is known for his hard checks and aggressive play, which often results in creating loose pucks for his teammates. Just wait until he develops further under the guidance of Adam McQuaid.
Skating: He was definitely a project when it came to his skating, but he has shown a marked improvement. His overall skill base has developed impressively, making him a more well-rounded player.
Areas for Improvement
Offensive Contribution: Although Wanner has shown flashes of offensive skill, he has not consistently displayed high offensive upside. His primary role remains as a shutdown defender, but there is potential for growth in his offensive game.
Consistency: Wanner’s game has seen periods of plateau, especially at the AHL level. Maintaining a high level of performance consistently will be crucial for his development.
Recent History
2022-23 Season: Wanner had a strong season with the Moose Jaw Warriors in the WHL, recording 8 goals and 22 assists in 44 games. His defensive play was a highlight, often tasked with shutting down the opposition’s best players, closing out games and being dependable on the penalty kill.
AHL Experience: Wanner has been playing with the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL. His comfort at this level has been improving, although there have been some challenges in maintaining consistent performance.
Potential
Wanner has the potential to become a reliable NHL defenseman in a shutdown role. His defensive skills and physicality make him a valuable asset, and with continued development, he could also contribute something offensively. His progression in skating and overall skill base is promising, and he will need to maintain consistency to reach his full potential.
Summary
Maximus Wanner is a defensively strong, physically imposing defenseman with room for growth. His development with Providence will be crucial in determining his future impact at the NHL level. With his size, mobility, and defensive acumen, Wanner has the tools to become a key player for the Bruins in the coming years. If all goes to plan.
Dom - Hockey 