Oilers Fans Shouldn’t Give Up on Trent Frederic

Trent Frederic's arrival in Edmonton has been met with mixed reactions, but Oilers fans shouldn't write him off just yet. The 27-year-old forward, acquired from the Boston Bruins in a three-team trade ahead of the 2025 trade deadline, hasn't quite found his footing, but there are reasons to believe he can become a valuable asset to the team.

Frederic's tenure with the Oilers began with an unfortunate setback. Shortly after joining the team, he re-aggravated a high-ankle sprain, limiting him to a mere 7:10 of regular-season ice time. While he did return for the playoffs, logging 22 games and contributing one goal and four points, he was visibly hampered by the injury. This makes it difficult to fully assess his capabilities and potential impact on the team.

Despite the limited sample size and injury struggles, there are glimpses of what Frederic can bring to the Oilers. He is a physical player, demonstrated by his 85 hits during the playoffs, ranking sixth among all players. Before the trade, Frederic registered 155 hits in 57 games and 204 hits the season before. This physicality is something the Oilers need, especially after trading Evander Kane.

Frederic's versatility is another factor that should give Oilers fans hope. He can play both center and wing, and has experience on the penalty kill. The Oilers lost Connor Brown to free agency, potentially opening up a role for Frederic on the penalty kill. While he has primarily played wing with Edmonton, there's a possibility he could see some time at center this season, adding to his utility.

Some analysts suggest that Frederic needs to embrace a more physical, agitator role to truly find his place with the Oilers. Using his size (6-foot-3, 221 pounds) to his advantage by making things difficult for opponents could draw attention and open up the ice for his teammates.

It’s worth remembering Frederic's production in previous seasons. In 2022-23, he scored 17 goals, and in 2023-24, he netted 18. If he can return to that form and contribute 15-20 goals in the bottom six, he would be a valuable asset. A successful season for Frederic would be putting up at least 35 points.

The Oilers clearly believe in Frederic, demonstrated by the eight-year contract extension they signed him to. While the $3.85 million cap hit may seem risky given his performance so far, it could prove to be a great deal if he returns to his previous form. The contract also includes some trade protection, with a no-movement clause for the first four years.

Of course, Frederic needs to improve his game to justify the team's investment. In the 2025-26 season, through 15 games, he has one point, which is underwhelming. Some observers have noted that Frederic's comments about not being able to find a fight due to his low goal count are a bad sign, especially considering he was signed to bring toughness to the team.

However, it's important to remember that Frederic's struggles may be partly due to lingering effects from his ankle injury. As he gets further removed from the injury and becomes more comfortable within the Oilers' system, he should be able to contribute more effectively.

Oilers fans should be patient with Trent Frederic. He possesses a unique combination of physicality, versatility, and offensive potential. With a full season and a clean bill of health, he has the opportunity to become a fan favorite in Edmonton and a key contributor to the Oilers' success.