Trent Frederic’s Struggles and Potential Redemption Could Be Key to Oilers’ Playoff Push
As the NHL gets set to ramp back up after the Olympic break, the Edmonton Oilers are gearing up for what they hope is a deep playoff run. With the trade deadline looming, Edmonton is expected to be active in the market, looking to bolster a roster that already has solid depth. But while outside additions will help, one of the most intriguing storylines might come from within - specifically, from Trent Frederic.
Frederic, who inked an eight-year deal that kicked in this season, hasn’t exactly hit the ground running in Edmonton. The physical forward was brought in to add bite and secondary scoring, but so far, the results have been underwhelming. Whether it’s lingering effects from an earlier injury or simply a crisis of confidence, Frederic hasn’t looked like the player the Oilers hoped they were getting.
That said, there are signs he’s starting to turn a corner.
A Rough Start, But Not Without Value
Frederic’s season began with promise. After a strong training camp, he earned a spot on the top line to open the year - a clear signal the coaching staff saw something in him.
But as the games piled up, the production didn’t follow. Through 55 games, Frederic has managed just two goals and one assist.
That’s a tough stat line for a player carrying a long-term commitment, even at a manageable $3.85 million cap hit.
Naturally, fans have voiced their frustration. And when a player struggles this visibly, the questions start to pile up: Is he healthy?
Is he a fit in the system? Was the contract a mistake?
But here’s the thing - even when the offense hasn’t been there, Frederic has found other ways to contribute. He’s leaned into the physical side of his game, especially in the weeks leading up to the Olympic break.
He currently ranks second on the team in hits, trailing only Vasily Podkolzin, with 134. That kind of physical presence can be invaluable in the postseason grind, when space is at a premium and every shift matters.
The Context Behind the Numbers
It’s worth remembering that Frederic was dealing with an injury when he first arrived in Edmonton. He only suited up for one regular-season game before the playoffs last year, and when he did hit the ice, it was clear he wasn’t fully up to speed.
Understandably, expectations were tempered. The hope was that with a full offseason and a clean slate, he’d bounce back.
That bounce-back hasn’t materialized yet - at least not on the scoresheet. He’s gone from top-line hopeful to fourth-line regular, and the offensive spark that made him such an effective player in Boston has been hard to find.
But slumps happen. Confidence ebbs and flows.
And for a player like Frederic, who thrives on physicality and energy, sometimes it just takes one big moment to flip the switch.
Why the Oilers Are Still Betting on Him
Despite the slow start, the Oilers aren’t in panic mode. Frederic’s contract is structured in a way that gives them some flexibility - the cap hit is reasonable, and there’s trade protection built in. There’s no need to rush into drastic decisions like a buyout, especially when there’s still belief that he can turn things around.
And let’s be clear: the Oilers didn’t bring Frederic in just for his offensive upside. They saw a player who could wear down opponents, win board battles, and bring a playoff-ready edge to the bottom six. If he can rediscover even a fraction of his scoring touch from his Bruins days, he becomes a serious X-factor for Edmonton down the stretch.
What Comes Next
With the Olympic break giving players a chance to reset, Frederic has an opportunity to refocus and come back with a clean slate. If he can build on the physical momentum he showed before the pause - and maybe chip in a goal or two - he could be a crucial piece in Edmonton’s playoff puzzle.
The Oilers don’t need Frederic to be a top-line scorer. They just need him to be the best version of himself: a hard-nosed, defensively responsible forward who can chip in offensively and make life miserable for opposing teams.
He’s shown flashes of that in the past. Now, it’s about finding consistency. And if he does, the conversation around him - and his contract - could change quickly.
For now, all eyes are on the post-Olympic stretch. The Oilers are gearing up for a run, and Frederic has a chance to prove he’s more than just a contract - he’s a contributor.