The Edmonton Oilers have made a significant commitment to forward Trent Frederic, signing him to an eight-year contract extension worth $30.8 million, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $3.85 million. The deal, announced Friday, June 27, 2025, ensures Frederic remains in Edmonton for the long term.
Frederic, who was acquired by the Oilers at the NHL trade deadline from the Boston Bruins in a three-team trade involving the New Jersey Devils, was set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. To acquire Frederic, the Oilers gave up a 2025 second-round pick, a 2026 fourth-round pick, defenseman Max Wanner, and forward Shane LaChance. The Oilers had New Jersey retain 50 percent of Frederic's salary.
Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman expressed his enthusiasm for retaining Frederic, citing the player's competitiveness, team-oriented attitude, and the physical element he brings to the team. Bowman had stated, "Getting to know him as a person has been a great experience because he's got a lot of attributes that I think are very important to a successful team. You know, he's incredibly competitive, great teammate, great team guy. He brings an element that I think you need which is very competitive."
Frederic's time with the Oilers has been somewhat limited due to an ankle injury. He played only one regular-season game after being acquired, re-aggravating the injury. However, he returned for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, participating in all 22 games and contributing one goal and three assists as the Oilers reached the Stanley Cup Final, ultimately losing to the Florida Panthers in six games.
Prior to joining the Oilers, Frederic spent his first seven seasons with the Boston Bruins, who drafted him 29th overall in the 2016 NHL Draft. Before the trade, in 58 regular season games split between the Bruins and the Oilers, he recorded eight goals and seven assists.
The contract extension has sparked mixed reactions, with some observers questioning the term and AAV. Some hockey analysts consider the contract an overpayment, especially considering Frederic's production last season and the assets Edmonton gave up to acquire him. Concerns have also been raised about whether Frederic can consistently perform at a level that justifies the $3.85 million AAV over eight years, particularly in light of a dropoff in his offensive numbers.
However, supporters of the deal point to Frederic's potential, his physical style of play, and his positive influence in the dressing room. They also note that Frederic was playing hurt during the playoffs and that a healthy Frederic could return to the form he displayed in previous seasons with the Bruins, where he recorded 17 goals and 31 points in 2022-23 and 18 goals and 40 points in 2023-24.
The Oilers are betting that Frederic can fill the void left by Evander Kane, who was traded to the Vancouver Canucks and that as the salary cap rises, Frederic's contract will become more favorable. The team hopes that Frederic's functional toughness, potential to contribute on the penalty kill, and versatility will make him a valuable asset.
