The Edmonton Oilers have consistently preached about finding value contracts to keep their roster competitive. With Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard all commanding more than $10 million in salaries, finding value contracts is imperative to give this team the best chance to win a Stanley Cup.
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Like any team, the Oilers have some less than desirable contracts. The most talked about is Darnell Nursewhich manages $9.25 million annually. That said, Nurse is still a player with a positive impact for the Oilers, albeit not nearly to the extent he is paid. However, one bad contract wouldn’t be the end of the world, but unfortunately for the Oilers, they recently handed out another contract that looks like an unmitigated disaster.
Frederic Not an eight-year player
At the 2025 trade deadline, the Oilers knew they wanted to add upfront, but they had very little room to do so. Ultimately, they were able to make a deal with the Boston Bruins who saw them country Trent Frederica player who had built a reputation as a very physical presence who could contribute with some secondary scoring. That said, he was very much considered a bottom-six forward.
Frederic wasn’t able to make his Oilers debut until well after the trade due to a high ankle sprain. When he returns, he has injured himself again after just a few shiftsand was closed for the remainder of the 2024-2025 season.
Frederic was able to return for the playoffs, but was seemingly much less than 100 percent. He finished the postseason with a very disappointing goal and four points. Still, he received approval from the vast majority of Oilers fans, all of whom were aware that his ankle still appeared to be an issue. There were even enough fans who saw value in extending him. That is, at least until they saw the expansion itself.
The Oilers shocked the hockey world just days before free agency when that was announced they had re-signed Frederic to an eight-year, $30.8 million contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $3.85 million. The AAV seemed a bit high to some, although it was the eight-year term that left everyone speechless. It seemed like a huge price for a player who has never scored 20 goals and only reached the 40-point mark once.
This was immediately seen as a deal that could age horribly for the Oilers, although there was at least some optimism that he could provide a solid secondary offense early on if given a chance alongside the likes of McDavid or Draisaitl.
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Instead, Frederic has played in a bottom-six role and has been perhaps the least impactful player in the lineup through 15 games. He has scored just one goal, giving him the lowest point total of any Oilers player who has played all fifteen games. He also managed just fifteen shots while averaging just under thirteen minutes per game. To his credit, he has maintained his physical edge with 46 hits, but other than that he has been frustratingly quiet.
Oilers can do nothing but throw Frederic out there
Oilers management is likely frustrated with Frederic’s start to the season, but they have only themselves to blame. Giving a maximum eight-year contract to a forward in the bottom six positions is a recipe for disaster, and they are already learning that the hard way. Since his deal includes a full no-movement clause, there’s nothing Oilers management and coaching staff can do but keep throwing him on the ice and hoping he can find a way to dig himself out of the hole he’s in.
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