Oilers’ Depth Under the Microscope After Rough Night in Pittsburgh
When a team’s secondary scoring dries up, it’s only a matter of time before the spotlight shifts to the guys who were supposed to provide it. And right now, that spotlight is squarely on a few underperforming names in Edmonton - with the numbers to back it up.
Let’s start with the most glaring case: Frederic. He’s suited up for 50 games this season - scratched just twice - and has managed just two goals and one assist.
That’s not a cold streak. That’s a glacier.
At this pace, he’s averaging a point a month, and January’s nearly over with nothing to show for it.
What’s more concerning is that the physical presence he was expected to bring has been mostly MIA. Sure, he throws some hits, but there’s no real edge to his game right now. He’s not disrupting plays, not agitating opponents, and when he does drop the gloves - which is rare - it’s a reminder that fighting isn’t exactly his strong suit.
And here’s the kicker: Frederic is in the first year of a seven-year deal that pays him $3.85 million annually. That’s a hefty price tag for a player producing at a rate of 0.06 points per game - the lowest on the roster outside of a couple of recent defensive call-ups.
Do the math, and you’re looking at $1.28 million per point so far. That’s not just inefficient - it’s a cap hit that could seriously limit the Oilers’ ability to maneuver moving forward.
If that money were being spent in Bakersfield, you’d at least have the flexibility to bring up someone hungry to earn a spot. Right now, it feels like a missed opportunity every night he’s in the lineup.
And while we’re on the topic of underwhelming production, Andrew Mangiapane hasn’t exactly delivered either. Through 46 games, he’s sitting on six goals and six assists - but two of those tallies came way back in his first two games with the Oilers.
Back then, he looked like a savvy free-agent pickup. Lately?
Not so much.
Yes, he’s got a no-trade clause, but that doesn’t mean he’s untouchable. There are ways to make room - waivers, a demotion, whatever it takes.
Because at this point, the Oilers have young talent waiting in the wings, and they’re ready to make the most of every shift. Quinn Hutson and Connor Clattenburg (once his hand heals) are knocking on the door, and they’ve got the kind of energy and upside this team could use right now.
Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh, the Oilers had a night to forget - especially between the pipes. Stuart Skinner, back in town after the big trade, got a well-earned night off after going 6-1 with a 1.58 goals-against average and a sparkling .933 save percentage. From the bench, he watched his replacement endure a historically rough outing.
How rough? The Oilers gave up three goals in the blink of an eye - the fastest trio of goals allowed in franchise history.
That’s not just a bad stretch. That’s a meltdown.
You have to wonder what was going through Skinner’s mind as he watched it unfold. He’s not the type to call anyone out, but you know the competitor in him had to be burning inside.
Still, despite the rough night, the Oilers aren’t second-guessing the trade that sent Skinner out and brought in Jarry. Even with Jarry sidelined by injury, the move opened the door for Connor Ingram to emerge as a legitimate option in net - maybe even a 50/50 tandem guy going forward. And down in Bakersfield, Connor Ungar is making a name for himself with strong numbers that suggest he could be part of the long-term solution.
So yes, there’s reason for optimism in the crease. But up front, the Oilers have some hard decisions to make.
Because when you’re in the thick of a playoff push, you can’t afford passengers. And right now, a few guys are just along for the ride.