Oilers Lock Down Grit and Depth for the Long Haul by Signing Trent Frederic to Eight-Year Extension Worth $3.85 Million Annually
The Edmonton Oilers have made a decisive move in the ongoing effort to build a championship-contending roster, signing forward Trent Frederic to a substantial eight-year contract extension worth an average annual value (AAV) of $3.85 million. This long-term investment represents not just a belief in Frederic’s skillset but a strategic step toward deepening the team’s bottom-six forward group with grit, versatility, and reliability. As the NHL landscape continues to shift with increasing competition and rising player costs, the Oilers’ decision signals confidence in Frederic’s development curve and the critical role he can play moving forward.
Frederic, 26, has steadily evolved from a rugged role player into a dependable, multi-use forward with a knack for physicality, defensive reliability, and secondary scoring. Drafted 29th overall in the 2016 NHL Draft by the Boston Bruins, Frederic has built a reputation as a tenacious forechecker and a player who thrives in the tough, gritty aspects of the game that don’t always appear on the scoresheet. Now, with a new home in Edmonton and long-term security, the Oilers are betting that Frederic’s best hockey lies ahead.
The decision to hand out an eight-year deal to a player who’s yet to crack the 40-point mark in a single season may raise eyebrows in some corners of the hockey world. But the Oilers’ front office, led by General Manager Jeff Jackson, is taking a long-view approach. With the salary cap projected to rise significantly over the coming seasons, locking up a proven bottom-six forward at under $4 million per year could look like a bargain as early as 2026. Furthermore, the term suggests the Oilers believe Frederic’s two-way game will continue to mature and become even more valuable over time.
In the modern NHL, depth is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. While superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl continue to headline Edmonton’s offense, the team has been haunted by inconsistent play from its supporting cast in past postseason failures. That’s precisely the kind of gap Frederic is being brought in to help close. His combination of physical play, defensive awareness, and willingness to battle in the dirty areas is the type of presence that often makes a difference in tightly contested playoff series.
Frederic’s playing style should complement the Oilers’ roster construction well. He’s a left-shot forward capable of playing both center and wing, giving the coaching staff flexibility when drawing up line combinations. His forechecking pressure, coupled with responsible puck management, makes him a valuable asset on the third line, where he can neutralize opponents’ top scorers or energize the team with momentum-shifting hits. He also has enough scoring touch—he netted a career-high 17 goals and 31 points during the 2022–23 season—to chip in offensively when opportunities arise.
What makes Frederic particularly appealing to a team like Edmonton is his postseason demeanor. He brings a physical edge that translates well into the tight-checking, high-intensity environment of the playoffs. Though his playoff experience is still developing, his style of play suggests he won’t shy away from the moment. That kind of character is exactly what the Oilers have been missing in certain stretches when games become less about skill and more about grit and will.
Critics may question the length of the contract, especially since long-term deals with role players can occasionally backfire if production dips or injuries emerge. However, Edmonton appears to be hedging that risk with a manageable cap hit. At $3.85 million, Frederic’s deal doesn’t hamper the team’s flexibility in future free agency or prevent them from retaining other core pieces. With contracts for McDavid and Draisaitl under constant scrutiny as their own free agency approaches, it’s crucial that the Oilers fill out the rest of the roster with cost-effective, reliable performers—something they believe Frederic will be for years to come.
Additionally, the Oilers’ recent deep playoff runs have demonstrated a clear need for players who can wear down opponents physically over a seven-game series. Frederic fits that mold perfectly. He isn’t flashy, and he may never put up massive numbers, but he’s a playoff-style player—someone who brings intensity and consistency, which are essential qualities for teams with championship aspirations.
This move also speaks volumes about the Oilers’ commitment to constructing a balanced team rather than one overly reliant on top-heavy talent. Edmonton has learned, sometimes the hard way, that a superstar core without dependable depth can only go so far. Signing Frederic is part of a broader vision to build around the stars with players who bring different, but equally necessary, elements to the table. It’s not just about scoring goals—it’s about controlling the pace, winning puck battles, and outlasting opponents in the trenches. Frederic brings all of that and more.
The eight-year term may even offer intangible benefits within the locker room. Players who are trusted with long-term deals often assume larger leadership roles, and Frederic’s hard-nosed, team-first mentality could help set a tone for younger players and new additions. As the Oilers continue to usher in prospects and develop their farm system, having veterans like Frederic to help establish a culture of accountability and hard work will be invaluable.
Frederic’s arrival in Edmonton also gives Head Coach Kris Knoblauch another dependable option to deploy in key defensive matchups or on the penalty kill. While he isn’t known as a prolific special teams contributor, his IQ, work ethic, and physical presence make him a candidate for that kind of responsibility. If he can grow into that role, the Oilers will get even more value from this deal.
Looking at comparable contracts around the league, Frederic’s $3.85 million AAV aligns well with deals given to similar players who offer grit and utility rather than high-end scoring. Players like Barclay Goodrow, Blake Coleman, and Adam Lowry have all proven that teams can find incredible value in guys who contribute in less glamorous ways. If Frederic continues on his current development arc, he could easily join that group as one of the league’s more effective middle-six forwards.
Another aspect to consider is the potential expansion of Frederic’s offensive game. While he’s never been a primary scorer, he has shown flashes of offensive instinct, particularly when given more ice time and better linemates. Should Knoblauch opt to experiment with Frederic in more offensive situations, especially during the regular season, there is a possibility he could elevate his point totals into the 40-point range—a level that would make this contract look like an outright steal.
This signing also comes at a pivotal moment for the Oilers. With the 2025 season fast approaching and expectations higher than ever, management is clearly pushing chips to the center of the table. The message to the locker room is loud and clear: this is a team going all in—not just for a single season, but for sustained competitiveness. Frederic’s deal ensures that a key role player will be part of that journey long-term.
From a player’s perspective, the deal represents a vote of confidence and a major life milestone. For Frederic, who has spent his entire NHL career with one organization until now, this kind of security speaks to the belief Edmonton has in him as both a player and a person. Adjusting to a new team, a new city, and new expectations is never easy, but an eight-year commitment gives him ample time to settle in and make Edmonton home.
Ultimately, while this signing may not dominate the headlines like a blockbuster trade or superstar re-signing, it could prove to be one of the most shrewd and impactful moves the Oilers make this offseason. Building a Stanley Cup-winning team isn’t just about the marquee names—it’s about depth, identity, and stability. Frederic brings all three. If Edmonton’s stars continue to shine and the supporting cast elevates its game, don’t be surprised if this deal is looked back on as a foundational piece in the Oilers’ long-awaited championship puzzle.
In a salary-cap era defined by value and vision, Edmonton’s bet on Trent Frederic is one made with eyes wide open. They know exactly what they’re getting—grit, commitment, and consistency. And if everything aligns, they may have just secured one of the best value contracts in the league for years to come.
