Oilers’ Trent Frederic Will Break Out in 2026-27

It’s been an up-and-down start to his Edmonton Oilers career for Trent Frederic. He came over in a 2025 Trade Deadline deal and is now headed into season two of an eight-year deal with the team. The power forward style he’s typically known for shows up in some games, while other times it tapers off and you forget about him. I believe there are a few pieces for him personally and around him that are going to come together in the upcoming season, and we are going to see the best of Frederic.

There always seems to be an imbalance in Frederic’s play, at least with the Oilers. He can go out and have 10 hits, but at the same time he’ll be a minus-2 and be giving the puck away. On other nights he’ll record a point and be buzzing around the puck, but will lose the physicality altogether. The 2026-27 season will see him put the pieces together and play a well-rounded game on more nights than not, and here’s why.

Fully Healthy

I say this with fingers crossed, hoping it holds up for Frederic and every Oilers player.

Frederic has had injury troubles prior to his arrival in Edmonton and ever since he was traded there, too. He missed time when he first got to the Oilers and then missed extended time last season as well. Heading into this season with a clean bill of health will be huge for a guy who loves to throw his weight around.

Playing at full health also allows him to keep up with the team and build on things he’s doing in games or make adjustments as he plays. The coaches can keep the lineup consistent game over game, which is another point of emphasis for Frederic we saw last season.

Consistent Linemates

Frederic was tried out in many different line combinations in 2025-26. He played on the top line with Connor McDavid, the third line with Adam Henrique, and everywhere in between with different players. There was one combination that worked well that the team kept consistent for a while and should continue this season.

Frederic played alongside Colton Dach and Josh Samanski for a handful of games. Their line ranked fourth on the team with a 63% expected goals percentage (minimum 40 minutes played together). They also ranked first in that time frame in expected goals against per 60 minutes at a 1.49 clip. The line was incredibly efficient, and their play styles fit very well together.