According to The Athletic, the Oilers’ addition of Trent Frederic is a wise first step before the NHL trade deadline.

As the NHL season progresses and teams begin to assess their needs ahead of the trade deadline, the Edmonton Oilers have made a move that could significantly impact their chances of success in the latter half of the season. According to The Athletic, the Oilers’ acquisition of Trent Frederic, a versatile forward known for his physical style of play, is a wise first step as the team looks to bolster its lineup for a deep playoff run.

The Edmonton Oilers are a team that has long been built around their offensive firepower, led by two of the most talented players in the league: Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. However, despite their star power, the team has struggled at times to find consistency, especially when it comes to depth scoring, physicality, and defensive stability. With the trade deadline fast approaching, the Oilers are looking to address these areas, and the addition of Frederic is seen as a key move in their efforts to strengthen the team.

In this article, we will take a closer look at Trent Frederic’s strengths, how his addition could benefit the Oilers, and what other moves the team might consider before the trade deadline. We will also explore why The Athletic views this move as a positive step in Edmonton’s push to improve its overall team structure as they aim for a deep playoff run.

Who Is Trent Frederic?

Trent Frederic is a forward who has built a reputation in the NHL for his physical style of play and his ability to contribute on both ends of the ice. At 6’3″ and 210 pounds, Frederic is a big body who can create space for his teammates and isn’t afraid to engage in physical battles along the boards or in front of the net. His style of play makes him an ideal candidate for a team like the Edmonton Oilers, who could use more grit and toughness in their lineup to complement the high-flying offensive play of McDavid and Draisaitl.

Frederic was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the first round (29th overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft, and since making his debut in the 2019-2020 season, he has proven to be a valuable depth player for the Bruins. Over his career, he has shown a knack for getting under the skin of opponents while also contributing offensively. While not necessarily a goal-scoring machine, Frederic’s physicality and work ethic make him a valuable asset for any team looking to increase their overall intensity and compete in the grind of a long NHL season.

What Does Trent Frederic Bring to the Oilers?

The Edmonton Oilers have been a team with incredible offensive talent, but they’ve often been criticized for lacking physicality and depth scoring. With McDavid and Draisaitl dominating the top lines, the Oilers need players who can add complementary skills to help balance out the team and improve in areas where they have struggled in recent years. Frederic’s addition addresses several key issues the Oilers have faced, and here’s a breakdown of how he can make an impact:

1. Physicality and Toughness

One of Frederic’s biggest strengths is his physicality. The Oilers have struggled in past seasons to keep up with teams that bring a heavy physical presence, particularly in the playoffs, where physical play tends to increase. While the Oilers are loaded with skill, adding a player like Frederic gives them a much-needed edge in terms of toughness.

Frederic is known for his willingness to engage in battles along the boards and in front of the net. His ability to win puck battles and create space for his teammates can be invaluable, particularly for players like McDavid and Draisaitl, who can benefit from having a more aggressive presence on the ice. This added physicality could help the Oilers compete more effectively against teams like the Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, or other physical Western Conference opponents they may face in the postseason.

In addition, Frederic’s ability to protect his teammates is an essential quality in the NHL. In today’s game, where skilled players like McDavid and Draisaitl are often targeted by opponents trying to neutralize their impact, Frederic can step in and serve as a protector. His presence on the ice can dissuade other teams from taking liberties with the Oilers’ star players, allowing McDavid and Draisaitl to play their game without having to worry about constant physical punishment.

2. Depth Scoring and Versatility

While Frederic isn’t known for his scoring prowess, he has shown flashes of offensive ability during his time with the Boston Bruins. His ability to score goals, especially in tight spaces or in front of the net, makes him a valuable addition to the Oilers’ bottom six. The Oilers have often struggled to get consistent scoring from their secondary lines, with much of the offensive burden falling on the shoulders of McDavid and Draisaitl.

By adding Frederic to the lineup, the Oilers are bringing in a player who can help spread the offensive load and contribute in situations where they need a spark. Frederic has the ability to create chaos in front of the net, and his net-front presence could be a valuable asset on the power play, where the Oilers already have one of the league’s most lethal units. His ability to score dirty goals in high-traffic areas could be crucial for a team looking to improve its depth scoring.

Furthermore, Frederic’s versatility allows him to play in multiple situations. He can be used on the third or fourth line, providing a physical presence while also adding some offensive punch. Additionally, he can be deployed on both the penalty kill and power play, making him a valuable option for head coach Jay Woodcroft as he looks to balance his lines and create favorable matchups.

3. A Boost for the Playoff Push

The Oilers are undoubtedly a playoff-bound team, but to make a deep run in the postseason, they need more than just star power. Adding Frederic provides the Oilers with an additional layer of grit, determination, and work ethic, which are often needed when the stakes are at their highest.

As we’ve seen in recent years, NHL playoffs are often determined by which teams can impose their will on their opponents physically and mentally. The Oilers have the skill to go toe-to-toe with any team offensively, but adding Frederic gives them the necessary balance to compete in all facets of the game. He’s a player who can help grind down opposing defenses, wear down top defensemen, and contribute key shifts at crucial moments.

Furthermore, Frederic’s style of play can help protect the team’s star players during the grueling playoff grind. With his willingness to engage in battles and his physical presence on the ice, Frederic will help take the heat off of McDavid, Draisaitl, and others. This added layer of protection could prove invaluable as the Oilers look to push deeper into the postseason.

The Bigger Picture: What’s Next for the Oilers?

While Frederic’s addition is a positive step, the Edmonton Oilers still have work to do to become true Stanley Cup contenders. The trade deadline is fast approaching, and the Oilers have some other areas they may look to address to further bolster their lineup.

1. Defensive Depth

One area that the Oilers could focus on improving is their defensive depth. While the team has some strong individual defensemen, such as Darnell Nurse and Evan Bouchard, they could use another reliable defenseman to add stability to their blue line, particularly in high-pressure situations. If the Oilers can add a top-four defenseman or even a solid veteran presence who can kill penalties and block shots, it would go a long way in improving the overall balance of the team.

2. Goaltending Depth

Another area that the Oilers may want to address is their goaltending depth. While Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner have both shown promise at times, the Oilers could benefit from a more reliable veteran goaltender who can provide stability in net. Adding a goalie who can perform consistently under pressure would give the team more confidence heading into the postseason.