Oilers' Trent Frederic’s Game Is Coming Around
The Edmonton Oilers have had a rough stretch lately. Four wins in the last ten games, a handful of losses, and the kind of inconsistency that makes fans shake their heads. But amid the chaos, one encouraging storyline has emerged: Trent Frederic. The guy’s skating faster, hitting harder, and generally looking like the player the Oilers hoped he’d become when they signed him long-term.
In a small sample size, Frederic has looked good.
It’s a small sample, sure — just a couple of post-Olympic games. That said, it’s the kind of effort that gives you a glimpse of potential. Frederic has been winning board battles, making plays in the offensive zone, and contributing to Grade A scoring chances. And defensively? He’s not just skating around; he’s engaged, blocking lanes, and using his size to disrupt opposing forwards. It’s the kind of presence Edmonton hoped would come with that eight-year contract.
Here are a few reasons why Frederic might be a positive contributor down the stretch:
Reason 1. Frederic Uses His Speed and Physicality
Frederic’s skating looks sharper lately, and he’s combining that with the physical edge you expect from him. He’s winning battles along the boards, finishing checks, and using his size to create space for teammates. When a player can make things happen both with speed and strength, it changes the dynamic of a line, and that’s exactly what Edmonton could use right now.
Reason 2. Frederic Has Made an Offensive Impact
It’s not just hitting and skating. Frederic is involved in generating chances. He’s been setting up Grade A scoring chances and finding pockets in the offensive zone where he can make a difference. For a player on a long-term deal, showing he can contribute on both ends of the ice is huge — and Frederic’s recent games suggest he’s capable.
Reason 3. Frederic Has Shown Consistency and Has Earned Trust
Even with a few benchings in the past 20 games, Frederic has earned a promotion to the third line. That tells you something about the trust the coaching staff has in him. If he can maintain this level of play, he could stick there for the rest of the season and be a steady, reliable presence.
It’s still early to declare him fully “there,” and yes, the eight-year bet was aggressive. But the signs are promising. Frederic looks like a player who can impact games now and potentially live up to the long-term expectations. If Edmonton can ride this wave, the last half of the season might see him turning from a gamble into a genuine asset.