The Edmonton Oilers have officially locked in forward Trent Frederic with a massive eight-year contract extension. The deal, which was finalized on Friday, carries an average annual value (AAV) of $3.85 million, totaling $30.8 million over the life of the contract. This significant commitment signals the Oilers' belief in Frederic's long-term value to the team.

Frederic, 27, was acquired by the Oilers at the trade deadline this year from the Boston Bruins as part of a three-team trade. While he only played 23 games for Edmonton, including the postseason, his impact was felt, and apparently enough for the Oilers to invest in him long term. In those games, the St. Louis native contributed one goal and three assists, while also racking up an impressive 87 hits.

It's Frederic's physicality and willingness to engage that the Oilers seem to value highly. He brings a needed element of toughness and grit to the Edmonton lineup, making him difficult to play against. Beyond the statistics, Frederic is noted to have a strong defensive awareness and a diligent back-checking ability.

There is also an expectation that Frederic will be given an opportunity to play center. While his NHL faceoff percentage is currently 44.4%, the Oilers clearly see potential for him in that position. In addition to his offensive and defensive contributions, Frederic is also expected to become a valuable member of the Oilers' special teams unit, particularly the penalty kill. During the 2024 season with the Bruins, their penalty kill unit had a success rate of 82.5% with Frederic involved.

Some concerns have been raised regarding the length of the contract, with an eight-year term potentially carrying risk given Frederic's physical style of play, which could make him more susceptible to injury. However, the Oilers seem confident that Frederic's overall value and contributions outweigh any potential risks.

Frederic's previous contract was a two-year deal with an AAV of $2.3 million. His performance over the past few seasons, particularly his willingness to play a physical game and contribute defensively, has earned him a significant raise and long-term security with the Oilers. He scored 17 and 18 goals in the two seasons prior to being traded to Edmonton.

The Oilers clearly view Frederic as a key piece of their roster moving forward. His versatility, physicality, and defensive awareness make him a valuable asset, and his willingness to play in Edmonton further solidifies his fit with the team. With this long-term contract, the Oilers are betting that Trent Frederic will continue to be a significant contributor for years to come.