Trent Frederic Needs to Embrace Role That Will Define Future with Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers invested heavily in Trent Frederic, signing the forward to an eight-year extension that includes a no-movement clause for the first four years. Management’s message was that they see something in this player that is hard to find in the NHL. Yet, through 15 games this season, the results have been underwhelming — one point and limited impact in games that suggest he hasn’t figured out quite where he fits.

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As fans and analysts already start questioning the decision to give him an eight-year deal, one former NHLer-turned-analyst suggests Frederic needs to embrace the idea that he should become an on-ice lightning rod, not an off-ice one.

Instead of having people talk about how little he’s doing, Frederic needs to come into games with a bully mentality. Find a moment or two in every game where he attracts attention because he’s making things difficult for the opposition, perhaps even getting close to crossing a line.

Run someone. Get dirty. Be a pest. All of those things draw attention to Frederic and open up the ice for others on the Oilers.

Why Isn’t Frederic Doing This Yet for the Oilers?

Considering Frederic has the frame and there’s a history in Boston where he’s open to playing this style of hockey, why hasn’t Frederic found his lane in a similar fashion with the Oilers?

Part of the struggle may be lingering effects from Frederic’s ankle injury, which sidelined him for much of last season and limited him to just seven minutes in his lone regular-season game. While he returned for the playoffs, his slow start in 2025-26 suggests the injury could still be a factor.

To his defense, he’s second on the team in hits and seems to be slowly coming around. The production is still a concern, but the Oilers didn’t necessarily sign him to score a bunch of goals. All the same, he needs to take an extra step, and while he’s not scoring, Frederic needs to agitate, pressure opponents, and draw attention to justify his contract.

Frederic’s no-movement clause ties Stan Bowman’s hands, so it’s up to the player to find his lane. Until Frederic finds consistency and embraces the role envisioned for him, fans will be on his case.

His performance isn’t just about points; it’s about fulfilling a vision that the team invested heavily in. He needs to become the player that fans of other teams hate, but Oilers fans love because he plays for Edmonton.

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