Trent Frederic gets a look with McDavid and Draisaitl, and figuring out David Tomasek’s spot with the Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers faced off against the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday for game four of the pre-season at Rogers Place, and I decided to focus on two players who will be called upon to make an impact this season. For Trent Frederic, it was an opportunity to play alongside McDavid and Draisaitl that piqued my interest. For David Tomasek, it was getting my first look at a player whose versatility could be his ticket to cracking the NHL roster.

A FRESH START FOR TRENT FREDERIC?

There was a lot of noise about Trent Frederic’s eight-year contract when it got signed, and I don’t think we need to kick that horse again here, but what I’m wondering is how many of you are looking at it like a little bit of a fresh start for the guy? I know I am. Even though the deal is long and our first impression wasn’t the best after only four points (1G, 3A) in 22 playoff games, I’m fascinated to see how he looks with a little bit of familiarity under his belt and a healthy ankle to stand on. There’s a lot to like about the guy, but since I didn’t watch many of his games with the Bruins, I don’t really know how or where he’ll fit when he’s playing at his best.

So, when I saw Frederic getting the chance to take a few spins with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl against the Kraken, I wanted to know how he’d adapt. We all know that the line combos will change a million times between now and the end of the season, and it would go a long way to solving our closing issues around here if Frederic can figure out some chemistry with those boys. The problem, of course, is that we didn’t get many moments in last night’s attempt to suggest we’re on our way. That’s not to say I’m singling Frederic out — there weren’t many banner performances by any of the Oilers, frankly — but I was hopeful that he’d find a way to stand out given the calibre of his linemates. One pre-season performance doesn’t mean much of anything in the grand scheme of things, but we’re going to need the big man to get himself going.

There’s plenty of time for that, but there’s also plenty of eyes watching too.

WHERE DOES DAVID TOMASEK FIT IN?

I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t know a whole lot about David Tomasek apart from what I’ve read and a handful of highlight packs I’ve watched on YouTube. I know he led the Swedish league in scoring and I also know he had other offers to make the jump over from Sweden, but that’s about it. When Gregor spoke to David Tomasek earlier this month, he asked what kind of player he describes himself to be. And what I liked about his answer was how it ultimately depends on the role he slots into, and whether he even earns one in the first place. But it also seems like he sees himself as a versatile player who can play anywhere the coach asks him to, which could give him an advantage over some of the other bubble guys as we roll along here.

“It kind of depends on what role you’re going to get, but so far in Europe, I was able to be a point producer, having some skill and time on the power play. I see the ice well and I can make some plays. I also liked to use my size a little bit to create time and make plays. But here, I think it really depends on how the next weeks are going to be and what role I’m going to get or I’m able to fight for. When I was put in a role where I had to defend, I could do it and when I was in the top two-line role, I could produce. My style depends on what role I’m given.”

Considering last night’s game was the first time I had seen him play, I was impressed with the way he was able to create some offensive opportunities for his linemates. Playing on a line with Andrew Mangiapane and Roby Järventie, Tomasek was pretty effective when the puck was on his stick, and there were more than a few instances of his hard work directly benefiting his running mates. Did the work result in points? No. Do I care? Not really. As much as Tomasek registering a fake point here or there would have been nice, I still saw a player with some skills that could make for some interesting decisions less than two weeks from now. I know we’ve tried the Swedish league scratch-ticket play before, but I’m hopeful Tomasek’s varied skill set is enough to make this one cash in a little bit.