The Edmonton Oilers have made an exciting addition to their lineup with the recent trade acquisition of winger Trent Frederic. The 27-year-old, who spent seven seasons with the Boston Bruins, now brings his grit and scoring ability to one of the most dynamic teams in the NHL. This trade, which involved a three-way deal between the Bruins, New Jersey Devils, and Oilers, not only boosts Edmonton’s forward depth but also fulfills a personal dream for Frederic’s brother, Grant.
A Family Dream Come True: Trent Frederic Joins the Oilers
In a move that brings a mix of family sentiment and strategic team-building, Trent Frederic’s transfer to the Edmonton Oilers was, in part, influenced by his brother’s wishes. “My brother was pushing, saying how cool it’d be for me to go to Edmonton,” Frederic said, reflecting on the journey that brought him to Alberta.
Grant Frederic, an avid hockey fan who follows the sport closely, had long expressed his belief that Edmonton would be the perfect fit for his brother’s playing style. “He was saying how good of a fit I would be, and he watches a lot of hockey, so I’m gonna take his word on it.” With the deal now finalized, Trent’s move to Edmonton has come full circle, fulfilling his brother’s dream and adding an exciting new chapter to his own career.
Trent couldn’t hide his excitement upon hearing the news of the trade. “I’m glad to be an Edmonton Oiler — it’s pretty cool,” he added, his enthusiasm reflecting the magnitude of this new opportunity. For fans of the Oilers, having a player with Frederic’s competitive edge and toughness is a welcome addition, especially as the team gears up for a deep playoff push.
The Three-Way Deal: What the Oilers Gained
The trade that brought Frederic to Edmonton was part of a complex three-way deal that saw multiple players and assets exchange hands. Initially, the Boston Bruins traded Frederic to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for the rights to prospect Petr Hauser. Shortly after, the Devils sent Frederic to the Oilers, along with Shane Lachance, while the Bruins received Hauser, Jones, defenseman Max Wanner, and two draft picks.
This deal works out well for the Oilers, as Frederic provides much-needed depth on the front line. His physicality and playmaking ability make him a valuable asset, especially when paired with the star power of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The Oilers, currently sitting second in the Pacific Division, are looking to solidify their playoff position, and adding a player like Frederic could be the key to a deeper postseason run.
Frederic, who was selected No. 29 by the Bruins in the 2016 NHL Draft, has shown promise this season, tallying 15 points (8 goals, 7 assists) in 57 games. His experience in Boston, particularly in high-pressure situations, should provide the Oilers with additional resilience as they look to contend for the Stanley Cup.
Injury Status: A Slight Setback for Frederic
While Frederic’s trade to Edmonton has brought a surge of optimism, there’s a slight wrinkle in the timeline of his debut. The winger is currently nursing an ankle injury that he sustained in late February during a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. As of now, his status is week-to-week, and Frederic has not skated since the injury.
“I’m still kind of figuring out every day when I can get back,” Frederic commented, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding his return to action. However, fans can take solace in the fact that he remains hopeful about getting back on the ice soon. “Hopefully, I can start skating here soon,” he said.
In the meantime, the Oilers will have to wait for Frederic to fully recover before they can integrate him into their game lineup. His arrival in Edmonton is expected within the next few days, possibly by Wednesday or Thursday, but it could take some time before he’s ready to play.
Financials and Salary Cap: Devils Retain 50% of Frederic’s Salary
As part of the trade agreement, the New Jersey Devils are retaining 50% of Frederic’s remaining salary, which carries an average annual value of $2.3 million. This financial arrangement will help Edmonton manage their salary cap as they continue to build a roster that can compete at the highest level.
The salary retention is a key element of the deal, as it allows the Oilers to make a more cost-effective addition to their squad. It also gives Frederic the opportunity to prove himself in a new environment, with the potential to earn a more substantial role in the future.
Frederic’s arrival in Edmonton is a clear indication of the Oilers’ commitment to winning now. With the team boasting two of the NHL’s best players in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and with the team sitting in a solid position in the Pacific Division, the addition of a player like Frederic is a smart move to bolster their chances for a Stanley Cup run.
Frederic brings a blend of toughness, versatility, and scoring ability that will complement the Oilers’ high-powered offense. Whether he slots into the top six or provides valuable depth on the lower lines, his presence will add another layer of skill and grit to an already formidable team.
As the Oilers look ahead to the postseason, Frederic’s role will undoubtedly evolve. His ability to stay healthy and integrate into the team’s system will be crucial to Edmonton’s success in the coming months. With the playoffs on the horizon, the Oilers are loading up with talent, and Frederic is poised to play a key role in their quest for hockey’s most coveted trophy.
The trade that brought Trent Frederic to the Edmonton Oilers is more than just a business transaction — it’s a family dream come true and a strategic move for a team that is hungry for postseason success. As Frederic prepares to lace up his skates and join his new teammates, Oilers fans can look forward to the added grit and skill he will bring to their playoff push. With his brother’s wish fulfilled and a new chapter ahead, Frederic’s time in Edmonton is bound to be an exciting one.
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