Edmonton Oilers raise eyebrows with 8-year commitment to former Bruin after limited playoff role

A big contract for a player who barely saw the ice in the playoffs

In 22 postseason games, Frederic recorded just one goal and three assists while averaging 11:24 of ice time per night.

It’s not the kind of stat line you usually see rewarded with a max-term contract.

I have to admit, it’s a little strange to play a guy 11 minutes a night in a playoff run and then give him $4M at max term

Still, the Oilers seem to value more than what shows up on paper

Frederic brings something different. He plays a heavy game, finishes checks, wins battles in the corners, and creates chaos in front of the net. That physical style doesn’t always show up in the box score, but it’s something Edmonton clearly wants more of.

Trent Frederic, signed 8x$4M by EDM, is a physical middle six winger. Forechecks, throws hits, battles for the puck. His offensive game mostly revolves around getting to the net and jumping on loose pucks in tight. #LetsGoOilers

Was Frederic injured? Or are the Oilers betting on something bigger?

There’s been quiet speculation that Frederic played through injury during the postseason. That could help explain the reduced minutes—but it doesn’t fully explain the long-term commitment.

At 26, Frederic is in his prime. The Oilers might be looking at the bigger picture—what he could bring in years two, three, and four of this deal, not just what he gave them in a limited playoff role this spring.

For Edmonton, this is about identity as much as it is production

This deal isn’t just about numbers. It’s about culture. The Oilers believe they’ll need more physicality to survive deep postseason runs in the future—and Frederic, in their eyes, is part of that solution.

Whether he lives up to the price tag or ends up overpaid will depend on usage. If he stays stuck in the bottom six, the deal may age poorly. If he grows into a top-nine role and brings impact shifts every night, it could work out just fine.

Either way, it’s clear: Edmonton isn’t paying for what Frederic was last season. They’re investing in who they think he can become.