The Edmonton Oilers have made a bold move this offseason, locking in veteran winger Trent Frederic with an eight-year, $30.8 million contract extension.
The decision has sparked plenty of debate among fans and analysts, but Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman has made it clear that Frederic is exactly the kind of player Edmonton needs to build a championship-caliber roster.
Frederic, 27, arrived in Edmonton as part of a March 2025 trade with the Boston Bruins that also brought Max Jones and prospect Petr Hauser. The Oilers gave up second and fourth-round picks in the deal, plus an unsigned draft choice, Shane Lachance, while New Jersey helped retain salary for the remainder of the season.
Why the Oilers Committed Eight Years to Trent Frederic and How It Shapes Their Cup Plans
Some initially questioned whether committing eight years to a player like Frederic was the right move. However, Bowman’s recent comments on the “100% Hockey” podcast shed light on why this long-term extension makes sense.
“He’s just an awesome guy, first of all,” Bowman said. “Outside of hockey, he’s a guy that you believe in; you want him as part of your team. But that alone is not the reason to sign a guy to a long-term deal.
“He’s a very unique player with the skill set that he has. He’s big and physical, not afraid to challenge anyone, and he’s naturally that way. You can’t teach that intimidation factor; it’s just who he is.”
#Oilers 2025 draft picks David Lewandowski, Asher Barnett, Tommy Lafreniere, Daniel Salonen & Aidan Park received their jersey & hat from GM Stan Bowman during Development Camp earlier this week. 🔵🟠 pic.twitter.com/oDmVowVh5Y
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) July 4, 2025
Bowman emphasized Frederic’s versatility as another key reason for the extension. The 6’3”, 220-pound forward can play both center and wing while bringing physicality and grit that few others in the league possess. Despite battling injuries, Frederic has shown he can be an effective two-way presence when healthy.
Comparisons to similar players around the NHL help put the deal in perspective. Utah recently signed Jack McBain to a five-year, $21.25 million contract; Boston locked in Tanner Jeannot for five years at $3.4 million per season; and New Jersey added Connor Brown for four years at $3 million annually.
Frederic’s cap hit of $3.85 million falls right in line with these deals, but Bowman notes that Frederic brings a rare combination of toughness, skill, and the ability to play in the Oilers’ top nine, something Edmonton has been missing since moving on from Dylan Holloway and, more recently, Evander Kane.
Physical, intimidating forwards who can contribute offensively are becoming increasingly scarce in today’s NHL. Over the last three regular seasons, Frederic ranks 22nd in combined hits and points per 60 minutes of even-strength play, outperforming players like Jeannot and Brown in overall impact.
That kind of presence is critical for a team like Edmonton that is looking to make a serious Stanley Cup push.
Bowman also admitted that while an eight-year term may feel long, the low $3.85 million cap hit was necessary given the Oilers’ current salary cap situation. A shorter deal would have likely required a higher annual salary, making it harder to manage the roster in the coming seasons.
By going long-term, Edmonton secures cost certainty and ensures Frederic remains a key physical force in its lineup as it chases a championship.
