The Bruins traded Trent Frederic and acquired an intriguing defenseman Tuesday.
Boston traded Frederic as part of a three-team trade with the Oilers and New Jersey Devils. The B’s acquired defenseman Maximus “Max” Wanner, the St. Louis Blues’ 2025 second-round pick and Edmonton’s 2026 fourth-round pick.
Wanner started the season with the Bakersfield Condors and will make his way to Providence. Edmonton selected the 6-foot-3 blueliner in the seventh round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, and he played three seasons with the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors.
He logged 57 points in the WHL before transitioning to the AHL. The 21-year-old recorded 17 points in his first season with Bakersfield and accounted for two points in 22 games this season.
Wanner’s impact in the junior league impressed scouts, who gave his chance to crack an NHL roster a fair shot.
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“He’s long and rangy and plays with a miserable bite,” a scout told The Athletic’s Allan Mitchell in 2023. “To me, he has all the markings of a guy who gets an NHL shot at some point and will sink or swim based on his ability to keep up with the pace of it. Given how harsh he is to play against, I don’t mind his odds.”
Wanner’s production in the AHL slowed this season, but there is still confidence in his development as he gains more pro experience.
“The other frame of reference I’ll give you is just how massively improved he is from four years ago,” the same scout told Mitchell in a 2024 column. “Jump after jump after jump in terms of competency. Where does it end? Who knows. But his trajectory is still rising.”
Wanner was heralded for his ability to be a shutdown defender. The right-shot blueliner has some nastiness to his game, as showcased by his willingness to get into a scrap. He uses his 184-pound frame to his advantage, and it was why Oilers analysts ranked Wanner as one the team’s top prospects and a late-round gem.
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The Bruins will get to see Wanner continue to develop in Providence, where he’ll look to continue to show his skills as a shutdown defenseman. If he can provide a stronger offensive output, he could join Boston sooner rather than later.