A notable concern is emerging around Trent Frederic's performance with the Edmonton Oilers, raising questions about his fit and impact on the team. The Oilers acquired the 27-year-old forward from the Boston Bruins in a three-team trade ahead of the 2025 trade deadline. While the initial hope was that Frederic would bring a blend of physicality, secondary scoring, and versatility to the bottom-six, his performance has largely fallen short of expectations.
After the trade, Frederic's time in the regular season was cut short due to a re-aggravated high-ankle sprain, limiting him to just over seven minutes of ice time. He returned for the playoffs, contributing one goal and four points in 22 games, but he was visibly hampered by the injury. Despite the injury, the Oilers signed Frederic to an eight-year, $30.8 million contract extension in the offseason, increasing the pressure for him to perform.
This season, Frederic's production has been minimal. Through 35 games, he has only managed two goals and one assist. This lack of offensive output is particularly concerning given the Oilers' expectations for him to provide secondary scoring. Beyond the score sheet, his underlying numbers also paint a concerning picture. His on-ice results have consistently trended negative, with some models ranking him among the worst players in the league in terms of overall impact. He has a mediocre Corsi percentage (47%) and expected goals percentage (49%) at 5-on-5, and the Oilers have been on-ice for a high number of high-danger chances against when he's been on the ice.
One of the key issues seems to be a disconnect between what the Oilers need from Frederic and what he is currently providing. The team hoped he would bring consistent energy, physicality, and forechecking pressure, similar to what Zack Kassian provided in the past. However, Frederic's physical play has been inconsistent, and he doesn't seem to have a clear understanding of his role within the team. "I think I'm still trying to figure that out," Frederic admitted, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding his role.
Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch has also expressed concern, acknowledging that Frederic was recently scratched from the lineup as a "reset". Knoblauch suggested that Frederic's confidence might be an issue and that the break could help him rediscover his game. There are also lingering questions about whether Frederic is still feeling the effects of the high-ankle sprain he suffered last season. While he has been medically cleared, Knoblauch admitted it's difficult to say with certainty that there are no remaining side effects.
The Oilers' investment in Frederic makes his struggles particularly concerning. Long-term contracts for bottom-six forwards are inherently risky, and the Oilers need Frederic to provide surplus value to justify his cap hit. If Frederic can't find a way to contribute more effectively, the Oilers will face a difficult decision about how to manage his contract moving forward. Some analysts believe that the edge and consistent agitation that the Oilers are looking for might not be inherent in Frederic's playing style. Others, like Ryan Rishaug and Jason Strudwick, believe there is more potential within Frederic that the Oilers need to unlock.
