Knoblauch Challenges Forward to Create in Limited Minutes to Earn More

Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch has laid out the challenge to a depth forward who he’d like to see take on a bigger role. Trent Frederic isn’t going to be handed extra ice time—he needs to force the issue.

When asked after practice on Wednesday how Frederic can work his way into a bigger role and how the coach might be able to help motivate the winger, Knoblauch didn’t sugarcoat anything. The Oilers coach said he liked parts of Frederic’s recent game but emphasized that with others playing well, minutes won’t magically open up.

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“It’d be nice to give guys ice time to work their way out and play well,” Knoblauch said, “but there’s a balance in stepping up and making something happen on their own.”

Frederic played just 8:30 versus the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday. He’s pegged for fourth-line duty when the Oilers meet the Seattle Kraken on Thursday. This run since joining the team hasn’t gone well for the forward, whom the Oilers invested eight seasons in, and the early returns are troubling.

Knoblauch admitted Frederic is disappointed in his season—and the staff expected more from him. But the way forward is clear: produce in limited minutes. Show something noticeable. Create momentum. Force the coach’s hand.

“I saw some things that I liked the other night,” said the coach. He added, “He just has to work hard and be ready for an opportunity. If the other guys in front of him are doing their job and playing well, you might have to wait a little bit longer, but somebody, whether it’s an injury or getting to my dog house, you know, you’re looking for a replacement. That would be the only way Frederic gets more of an opportunity if he hasn’t played well enough in the limited minutes he’s seeing. Knoblauch suggested that if Frederic wants more opportunity, he had better be ready.

In a tight lineup, minutes won’t be gifted to Frederic. He’s going to need to earn his way up the depth chart and win over the trust of the coach with some substantial shifts.

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