Oilers 2024-25 Report Cards: Trent Frederic

As the offseason rolls on, so do the Edmonton Oilers’ player grades. The last report card graded Adam Henrique, and now we move on to Trent Frederic. He wore number 21 last season, but switched to number 10 this season, previously worn by Derek Ryan. Frederic is an interesting case because he’s been injured during his whole tenure in Edmonton, making him difficult to evaluate.

The 27-year-old was acquired from the Boston Bruins in a three-team trade ahead of the 2025 Trade Deadline, but only played 7:10 of regular-season ice time before re-aggravating the high-ankle sprain he sustained on Feb. 25 in a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He returned for the playoffs, recording one goal and four points in 22 games. But, he wasn’t effective, and was still battling through that injury. The St. Louis native had a down season, recording eight goals and 15 points in 57 games with the Bruins before the trade.

However, he had two great seasons prior, scoring 17 goals in 2022-23, averaging 11:55 a game, and 18 goals in 2023-24, averaging 13:45 a game, so there’s upside in a third-line role. We didn’t see that last season, but despite that, the Oilers inked him to an eight-year extension with a $3.85 million cap hit. That contract is questionable right now because it’s risky, but if he returns to form, it will be a great deal.

Frederic Had a Small Sample Size

Frederic had a small sample size with Edmonton since the trade. He averaged 11:24 of ice time during the playoffs and was relatively quiet. His only goal came in Game 6 against the Los Angeles Kings in Round 1, while also recording an assist, which helped Edmonton advance to Round 2. But he was held off the scoresheet in the Stanley Cup Final, despite registering 26 hits in those six games. He wasn’t around the net as much as usual, and the team would’ve liked him to generate more chances. However, he gets a pass because of his injury, but now we look toward this season, because he must be a factor if the Oilers are successful. This small sample size makes it difficult to grade him, because we didn’t see his best, and he has a lot more to give.

Frederic Is Versatile

Frederic is a versatile player, and that’s intriguing, especially heading into this season. He was getting accustomed to the Oilers organization, so his role was limited, especially with his high-ankle sprain. He can play centre and the wing, and has been on the penalty kill in the past. However, he has only played the wing with Edmonton and hasn’t killed penalties. They were easing him into the lineup, but expect him to get a bigger role this season. The Oilers lost a key penalty killer in Connor Brown to free agency, so Frederic may be tasked to fill that role. Also, expect him to play some centre at some point this season.