The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly on the verge of signing a substantial, long-term contract with forward Trent Frederic, a player acquired from the Boston Bruins at the trade deadline. This eight-year deal, rumored to be worth between $3.5 million and $4 million annually, signifies a significant commitment from the Oilers to a player whose impact extends beyond the traditional stat sheet. This move, coming hot on the heels of another deep playoff run that saw the Oilers fall short in the Stanley Cup Final for a second consecutive year, indicates a clear long-term strategy for building out the core of their team around superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
The acquisition of Trent Frederic was a shrewd, yet somewhat under-the-radar, move by the Oilers at the 2025 trade deadline. The 27-year-old power forward arrived in Edmonton as part of a three-team trade that also involved the New Jersey Devils. The Oilers sent a 2025 second-round pick, a 2026 fourth-round pick, and two prospects to Boston in exchange for Frederic and other assets. At the time of the trade, Frederic was battling an ankle injury that limited him to just one regular-season game with the Oilers. However, he returned for the entire playoff run, appearing in all 22 of Edmonton’s postseason contests and registering one goal and three assists.
While Frederic’s offensive numbers for the 2024-25 season (eight goals, seven assists, 15 points in 58 games split between Boston and Edmonton) might not immediately justify an eight-year commitment, the Oilers’ willingness to make such a long-term investment speaks volumes about what they see in the physical forward. This deal represents a strategic decision to lock in a specific type of player for the duration of their contention window.
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Physicality and Grit: Frederic (6’3″, 221 lbs) brings a heavy, physical game that is invaluable in the playoffs. He is a relentless forechecker, willing to go into the tough areas of the ice, finish checks, and engage in post-whistle scrums. In the 2023-24 season with the Bruins, he set career highs with 18 goals, 22 assists, 40 points, and an impressive 204 hits. While his offensive production dipped in the injury-shortened 2024-25 season, his ability to consistently deliver hits (157 in the regular season, 84 in the playoffs) is a key component of his game that wears down opponents. The Oilers have clearly identified a need for more of this playoff-style hockey throughout their lineup.
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Defensive Responsibility: Frederic is a responsible two-way forward who can play center or wing, offering positional versatility. He’s reliable in his own end, backchecking hard and providing support for defensemen. This defensive acumen is crucial for a team that relies heavily on its offensive superstars and needs its depth players to be defensively sound.
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Penalty Killing and Faceoffs: While not a primary faceoff specialist, Frederic has taken draws and can contribute on the penalty kill, adding to his value as a reliable bottom-six forward.
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“Annoyance” Factor: Much like former Oilers forward Zack Kassian or Boston’s Brad Marchand, Frederic can be an incredibly irritating player for opponents to deal with. His agitating style, willingness to engage verbally and physically, and his ability to draw penalties can throw opposing teams off their game. This “edge” is particularly valuable in the playoffs.
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Youth and Upside: At 27 years old, Frederic is entering what should be his prime years. The Oilers are betting that he can not only maintain his current level of play but potentially improve, especially if he can stay healthy. His career-high 40 points in 2023-24 suggest there’s more offensive potential than his 2024-25 numbers indicate.
Signing a player like Frederic to an eight-year contract is a significant departure from simply acquiring a rental. It signals a long-term commitment and a clear vision for the Oilers’ roster construction.
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Cost Certainty and Cap Management: While $3.5-$4 million AAV might seem high for a bottom-six forward based on his 2024-25 production, an eight-year term provides valuable cap certainty for the Oilers. As the NHL salary cap is projected to rise significantly in the coming years, this contract could look like a bargain in its later years. Locking in a solid role player at a fixed rate allows the Oilers to budget more effectively around the massive contracts of Connor McDavid (eligible for extension July 1, 2025) and Leon Draisaitl. This allows General Manager Ken Holland (or his successor) to allocate more cap space to other critical areas, such as retaining Evan Bouchard (a restricted free agent due a significant raise) or acquiring other top-tier talent.
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Building a Defined Identity: The Oilers’ recent playoff success has underscored the need for a balanced roster. While their top-end talent is unparalleled, they need reliable, gritty, and defensively responsible players who can contribute in various situations. Frederic embodies this type of player. This signing indicates a strategic pivot towards building a team with more defined roles, emphasizing toughness, forechecking, and defensive accountability around their skilled core. It’s about building a team that can win in the grind of the playoffs, not just outscore opponents.
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Consistency in the Bottom Six: For years, the Oilers have struggled with consistency in their bottom-six forward group. By committing to Frederic long-term, they aim to solidify one of those spots with a known quantity. This reduces the need to constantly churn over depth players via trades or short-term free-agent signings, providing greater stability.
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Modified No-Movement Clause (M-NMC): Reports suggest the contract will include a modified no-movement clause. This provides Frederic with some control over his future, while still allowing the team flexibility if circumstances change. It’s a common compromise for long-term deals.
While the benefits are clear, an eight-year deal for a player like Frederic does come with inherent risks:
- Injury History: Frederic’s 2024-25 season was hampered by injuries. Committing for eight years requires confidence in his long-term health and durability, especially for a player whose game relies heavily on physicality.
- Offensive Production: While his value extends beyond scoring, $3.5-$4 million AAV for a bottom-six forward is a significant cap hit. If his offensive production doesn’t rebound to his 2023-24 career-high levels, or if his physicality declines with age, the contract could become an overpayment in its later years.
- Age and Decline: While 27 is the prime for many players, eight years takes him to age 35. Physical players often decline faster than skilled forwards. The Oilers are banking on his physical game holding up for the majority of the deal.
The Trent Frederic signing is one piece of a larger puzzle for the Edmonton Oilers as they enter a crucial offseason. With Connor McDavid’s impending contract extension eligibility, Evan Bouchard’s restricted free agency, and other key pending unrestricted free agents (like Corey Perry, Jeff Skinner, and Connor Brown), the Oilers’ management has a busy summer ahead.
By locking up Frederic, the Oilers are sending a clear message: they are committed to building a robust, physical, and defensively responsible supporting cast for their superstars. They are not just focused on immediate success but are looking to establish a long-term foundation that can contend for the Stanley Cup year after year. This strategic long-term commitment to a role player like Trent Frederic highlights a team that understands the importance of balance, depth, and identity in its relentless pursuit of hockey’s ultimate prize.
