The best is yet to come for Trent Frederic: 2024-25 Edmonton Oilers player review
When the Edmonton Oilers acquired Trent Frederic in the offseason, it was a move that generated a mix of excitement and intrigue. Known for his physicality, tenacity, and grit, Frederic has carved out a role as one of the NHL’s most noticeable, if not always flashy, players. However, behind the rough-and-tumble reputation lies a player with a broader skill set, one that has the potential to make a significant impact on the Oilers’ quest for Stanley Cup glory.
As the 2024-2025 season progresses, it’s clear that the best is yet to come for Frederic, both as an individual player and as a key piece of Edmonton’s forward group. His blend of size, strength, and aggression, combined with newfound confidence and skill development, gives a glimpse into a player who could evolve into more than just a physical presence on the ice. For the Oilers, Frederic is poised to be more than just an enforcer—he’s set to be an integral part of their forward lineup.
Frederic’s story with the Edmonton Oilers began with the team acquiring him from the Boston Bruins during the summer of 2024. After a few seasons with the Bruins, where he played under head coach Jim Montgomery and earned a reputation for his rugged playstyle, Frederic was ready for a change of scenery. Despite being more known for his willingness to drop the gloves or throw big hits than for his offensive output, there was always something about Frederic’s game that screamed untapped potential.
Edmonton, a team with one of the most potent offenses in the NHL, was looking for a player who could add a different dimension to their lineup—someone who could not only contribute in the physicality department but also provide secondary scoring and a potential shift in momentum when needed. Frederic’s imposing physical presence, combined with his relatively untapped skill set, made him a perfect fit for a team looking to complement its superstar talents like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Frederic’s versatility as a player—one who can operate in a checking-line role, contribute on the penalty kill, and potentially offer some offensive upside—was one of the main reasons Edmonton was so keen on bringing him into the fold
One of the first things that stands out about Frederic’s style of play is his ability to physically dominate opponents. Standing at 6-foot-2 and 214 pounds, he is a large, imposing figure on the ice, and he plays with a chip on his shoulder. Known for his willingness to engage in scrums and use his size to create space for his teammates, Frederic brings an element of physicality that the Oilers’ forward group has been missing at times over the years.
With players like Zach Kassian and Jujhar Khaira leaving the team in recent years, Edmonton had been without a player capable of consistently disrupting opponents with the same kind of physical edge. Frederic’s arrival fills that void, and it’s clear from his first few months with the team that he’s more than willing to lay the body when the situation calls for it.
However, Frederic isn’t just about making big hits or defending teammates in the heat of the moment. His physicality is well-calculated. He is often positioned perfectly to make big checks at opportune times, using his body not just to punish but to separate puck carriers from the play. His style of play allows him to disrupt the flow of the game and frustrate opposing teams. While McDavid and Draisaitl dazzle with their offensive brilliance, Frederic can be counted on to keep opponents honest and force them to keep their heads up.
As the season progresses, Frederic’s physicality will likely be a critical part of the Oilers’ identity. While the team can always rely on their top-end players to generate offense, having a forward like Frederic who can change the momentum of a game with a well-timed hit is invaluable—especially when playing against teams that rely heavily on defensive pressure.
While Frederic is best known for his physical play, one of the most exciting aspects of his game is the potential for him to contribute offensively. Over the last few seasons, there have been flashes of skill that indicate Frederic is more than just a fourth-line grinder. His first season with the Oilers has showcased his ability to contribute in multiple areas.
Frederic’s offensive game has made noticeable strides since entering the NHL. While he has never been known as a pure sniper, he does possess a heavy shot and has shown that he can find the back of the net when given the opportunity. Throughout his career, Frederic has been consistently placed in positions where he can use his size and strength to create chaos in front of the net, and that hasn’t changed with the Oilers. His ability to fight for space in tight areas and create second-chance opportunities will make him an invaluable asset to a team that thrives on creating offense from all angles.
One of Frederic’s most underrated skills is his vision. Though it’s easy to focus on his physicality and intensity, he also possesses a high hockey IQ. Frederic knows when to engage in the cycle, when to use his body to protect the puck, and when to get to the front of the net. He has good hands for a player of his size, and in certain situations, he has shown the ability to make clever plays and passes. With the right line mates, Frederic has the potential to be a force on the third or fourth line, chipping in with key goals and assists in addition to his physical play.
While he is unlikely to ever be a 30-goal scorer, Frederic has the ability to contribute anywhere from 10-15 goals and 20-25 assists per season, which would be a solid output from a player expected to focus primarily on the physical side of the game. That type of balanced contribution—one that combines grit, defense, and some offensive punch—gives the Oilers even more depth as they pursue their ultimate goal of a Stanley Cup.
Another aspect of Frederic’s game that could make a significant impact in Edmonton is his role on special teams, particularly the penalty kill. With his physicality and tenacious work ethic, Frederic has the makings of a top penalty killer for the Oilers. His willingness to block shots, disrupt passing lanes, and use his body to win puck battles makes him a natural fit in this area.
The Oilers’ penalty kill has been inconsistent in recent seasons, and adding someone like Frederic to the mix could go a long way in improving their overall effectiveness when shorthanded. His size and speed allow him to cover a lot of ground quickly, and his ability to disrupt the opposition’s power play creates chaos, giving the Oilers more opportunities to clear the puck and regain control.
While he may not be a primary option on the power play, Frederic’s ability to bring his physicality and defensive awareness to special teams could be a significant boost for Edmonton. As teams like the Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights have shown, being strong on special teams can be a difference-maker come playoff time. If Frederic can solidify his role in this area, it would allow the Oilers to focus on what they do best: scoring goals with their offensive stars, while being equally dangerous on the penalty kill.
Although Frederic has already made an immediate impact with the Oilers, the most exciting part of his game is his potential for further growth. At just 25 years old, Frederic is entering the prime of his career, and there’s every reason to believe that his game will continue to evolve over the next few seasons.
While he has shown the ability to contribute physically and offensively, Frederic is still learning how to make the most of his skills. Working with Oilers’ coaches and some of the best players in the league will undoubtedly help him develop a more consistent offensive game. As he becomes more comfortable in Edmonton’s system, Frederic will likely become an even bigger threat on the ice, particularly when paired with players who can bring out his best qualities.
A more refined offensive game, paired with his already solid defensive instincts and physicality, would elevate Frederic’s role on the team, allowing him to contribute in all situations. There is a very real possibility that Frederic could become a reliable middle-six forward who brings the perfect blend of toughness, skill, and versatility.
For the 2024-2025 season, Trent Frederic is more than just the physical presence many initially assumed he would be. He is emerging as an all-around player capable of contributing on multiple fronts—whether it’s defending the Oilers’ blue line, contributing on special teams, or chipping in offensively. His blend of size, skill, and grit makes him a player who is difficult to ignore, and the best part is that he’s just scratching the surface of his potential.
As the season progresses, there’s every reason to believe that Frederic will continue to evolve and become a central figure in the Oilers’ pursuit of a Stanley Cup. The Oilers have the star power at the top of their lineup, but players like Frederic will be the ones who help push the team over the edge when it matters most. The best is indeed yet to come for Frederic, and if his growth continues, he could very well play a pivotal role in the Oilers’ championship hopes for years to come.
