Oilers’ eight-year deal with Trent Frederic listed among worst contracts of early 2025 NHL off-season

While the Edmonton Oilers have locked up a grinder for the foreseeable future, many question the terms of the contract.

The Oilers re-signed forward Trent Frederic to an eight-year contract extension. The deal carries an AAV of $3.95 million through the 2032-33 season.

While keeping Frederic around could be beneficial for the team, adding that level of intensity that Edmonton needs to be a tougher team in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, many have soured over the length of the deal for someone of Frederic’s calibre.

Daily Faceoff recently released a list of the worst contracts signed in NHL free agency over the first couple of days. Writer Scott Maxwell tabbed Frederic’s contract as one that was seemingly excessive.

“It’s understandable why Frederic would want that,” Maxwell wrote. “As this summer was his big chance at a payday, so he gets that money locked in with a team that will be a Stanley Cup contender for a good chunk of that deal. But for Edmonton, what benefit do they have from having a bottom-six forward stuck on their book for eight years?”

There have been numerous questionable deals since July 1, including the Los Angeles Kings signing aging defencemen Cody Ceci and Brian Dumoulin to four and three-year deals, respectively. The dollar amount has been relatively higher across the board, with some citing the growing salary cap that will be up to $95.5 million next season.

Yet, Maxwell still thinks the Oilers are overpaying for the 27-year-old, despite scoring 71 points over the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.

“Even in a rising salary cap world, was Frederic ever going to command a high enough AAV down the road to make this a smarter investment than a series of one or two-year deals in the same span? Plus, if the Oilers realize he isn’t a fit on their roster in a few years, they’re stuck with him unless they pay a premium to move his contract.”

Frederic was acquired by the Oilers, along with Max Jones, from the Boston Bruins at the trade deadline. However, Frederic played just one game during the regular season after recovering and reaggravating an ankle injury. The St. Louis native played in all 22 games during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, scoring a goal and three assists for four points. Ultimately, Edmonton fell to the Florida Panthers in the final for the second year in a row.

According to Puck Pedia, the Oilers have $175,834 in open salary cap room, though they can open more by sending waiver-exempt players Matthew Savoie and David Tomasek to the American Hockey League.