Based on the Oilers’ skate on Tuesday morning, it looks like Trent Frederic will be back in the lineup right away – and it’s a move that feels quicker than expected. It’s especially strange considering head coach Kris Knoblauch gave the impression that Frederic’s performance wasn’t a one-and-done deal.
After playing just one game as a healthy scratch, Frederic appears ready to retire as the Oilers take on the Calgary Flames in their final game before the holidays. In the projected forward groups, Frederic skated on the fourth line with Max Jones and Mattias Janmark, while Lazar and David Tomasek were listed as extras. That’s a quick turnaround considering how head coach Kris Knoblauch framed Frederic’s absence just days ago.
When Frederic was reprimanded, Knoblauch was clear that the decision was a ‘reset’ and not a punishment. He described it as a necessary break to help the forward rediscover his game and regain confidence – something that usually involves more than one night in the press box. Knoblauch even openly suggested that Frederic could be out for a few games, emphasizing the importance of time and space rather than an immediate return.
“I’m not sure if he will come in the next game,” Knoblauch said at the time, emphasizing that the winger needed a break to find his footing before returning and contributing in a meaningful way.
That makes this decision a bit surprising. One healthy scratch doesn’t exactly qualify as a reset, especially when the coach recognized that confidence – not effort – seems to be the problem.
Why are the oil companies rushing Frederic back in?
If Frederic really needs a mental and physical breather, rushing him back into the lineup risks defeating the purpose of sitting in the top spot. One wonders whether he got the message quite quickly and whether there was a conversation that gave the coach the feeling that Frederic would respond. Or Frederic didn’t take it well at all.
Frederic said after the morning skate: “Use it as a restart, start my season today.”
The Oilers clearly believe Frederic has more to offer, and Knoblauch has repeatedly said he will be an important piece moving forward. The hope now is that even a brief reset was enough – because bringing him back quickly suggests Edmonton is ready to find out.
Connor Ingram will also get the start for the Oilers, playing his second game since being called up.
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