Fresh off a max extension with the Oilers, pressure is on Trent Frederic to showcase his brand of hockey

Originally posted on Oilersnation | By Michael Menzies | Last updated Sep 3, 2025 5:00 PM ET

Count me among the many surprised that Oilers GM Stan Bowman signed Trent Frederic to a max-term deal at a $3.85 million AAV after an underwhelming playoff. Locking in a middle-six forward for eight seasons, with a full no-move clause in the first four years, coming off an injury-plagued age-26/27 season, is not a move I’d endorse.

The former Boston Bruin enters the 2025-26 season with security, along with plenty of pressure to show he’s closer to the 2023-24 version that set career highs with 18 goals and 40 points. The high-ankle sprain derailed the newcomer’s playoff impact. But hey, maybe first impressions aren’t everything.

Frederic, who scored one goal and four points in 22 playoff games this spring, is looking forward to turning the page on last season. The big forward is prepared to show Edmonton what he can offer when he’s not playing on an injured ankle and trying to avoid taking penalties.

“I’m not going to use the injury as an excuse. I didn’t have the best playoffs. I can bring more, and I think the Oilers believe that too. I know I will, “Frederic said after signing the contract in late June. “I have more scoring ability, and obviously the other factors of the game, sometimes it’s a little harder to bring in playoffs, being a new guy that sometimes plays on the edge, especially when every penalty matters.

“I’m really excited for the next season to start here and to show everyone what I’m about.”

Though it’s uncommon to see this sort of contract signed following a down year, the Oilers have made their investment. Plus, in the big picture, the dollars are manageable — roughly four per cent of the cap — so the club saved on AAV and paid on term.

Now the pressure shifts, more so inside the Oilers fanbase than around the league, for Frederic to prove that the 15 points in 58 games in 2024-25 was the anomaly, not the career year before. He will be asked to play his physical, on-the-edge game and provide the snarl lost with Evander Kane and Corey Perry moving on. If he is not bringing that edge, who is?

Not every opponent needs a cross-check, but when it’s a Sam Bennett moment like Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, you answer. That willingness to engage is the appeal, and sequences like that fuel optimism that what he lacks in finish he can repay in forecheck, board work, and hard minutes — especially in April, May, and June, when it matters most.

Frederic has said he would like to play centre, but he will likely move around the lineup because Kris Knoblauch likes to mix combinations. With rookies Isaac Howard and Matt Savoie pencilled lightly into top-six looks two weeks from camp, do not be surprised if Frederic gets time with Leon Draisaitl while also being stress-tested as a third-line driver.

“I think my best hockey is yet to come. I’m 27 years old,” Frederic said back in June. “I took a step back this year, but every year I’ve improved, and I’ll continue to do that.”

If Frederic delivers 15 even-strength goals, 45 points, and a few nights where he stands up for McDavid, Draisaitl, or the kids, he will be beloved — cue the mini-Hyman comps. If not, the term will weigh on the perception of the deal, and he will be a prime candidate for the next Oilers whipping boy.

This article first appeared on Oilersnation and was syndicated with permission.

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