Trent Frederic Signs with Edmonton Oilers in a Strategic Move for 2025 Season
In a significant move that is set to strengthen their forward group for the upcoming NHL season, the Edmonton Oilers have announced the signing of forward Trent Frederic to a multi-year contract. The deal, confirmed by the team this morning, is expected to provide a much-needed physical presence to the Oilers’ roster as they continue their push toward a Stanley Cup championship.
Frederic, 26, was previously with the Boston Bruins, where he spent the first few years of his career. Known for his grit, size, and ability to contribute on both ends of the ice, Frederic’s addition to the Oilers signals the team’s desire to bolster their depth and add a layer of toughness to complement their star-studded lineup. In a statement from Oilers General Manager Ken Holland, he praised Frederic’s potential impact.
“Trent is a player that brings both physicality and skill to our lineup,” said Holland. “He has been a consistent performer in Boston, and we believe his versatility will provide us with the kind of depth we need to compete at the highest level. With his ability to contribute offensively, as well as provide a physical edge, he is an excellent fit for our team.”
Frederic’s decision to leave Boston and sign with Edmonton comes as part of the Bruins’ ongoing roster shakeup following the team’s playoff exit last season. Despite his strong play in a middle-six role, Frederic found himself in the midst of a roster crunch in Boston, with limited opportunities to further develop his game in a leadership position. In Edmonton, he will join a team already brimming with offensive firepower, led by stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and will likely be a key contributor on the team’s third or fourth lines.
Frederic is known for his physical style of play. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 214 pounds, he isn’t afraid to mix it up in the corners, engage in battles along the boards, and defend his teammates. His presence on the ice is likely to provide added protection for the Oilers’ top players, a key asset given the team’s reliance on skill players like McDavid and Draisaitl to lead the offense. In addition to his physicality, Frederic has also proven capable of chipping in offensively. Over the past few seasons, he has shown a penchant for scoring timely goals, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Frederic’s 2024-2025 season with Boston saw him tally 13 goals and 17 assists for 30 points in 72 games. While his scoring numbers may not yet reach elite levels, his all-around game and ability to play with intensity and energy make him an invaluable asset for Edmonton. His willingness to fight for possession and screen goaltenders in front of the net also adds a layer of grit that the Oilers have lacked in previous years.
The addition of Frederic is just the latest in a series of moves aimed at making Edmonton a more complete team. While the Oilers’ offensive prowess has long been their calling card, the signing of Frederic provides Coach Jay Woodcroft with more flexibility in deploying a balanced lineup that can compete both physically and skillfully. The Oilers have made it clear that their goal is nothing short of a Stanley Cup, and with this signing, the team is sending a message that they are serious about contending.
For Frederic, this opportunity represents a fresh start. With an opportunity to play in a high-paced, high-scoring environment like Edmonton, he will look to continue developing his game and contribute to the Oilers’ championship aspirations. As the season approaches, fans in Edmonton are eager to see how Frederic will fit into the Oilers’ dynamic forward group and if his physicality will be the missing piece in their quest for hockey’s ultimate prize.
As the 2025 NHL season inches closer, all eyes will be on Frederic as he dons the Oilers’ blue and orange for the first time. With the team’s championship window open, this move could prove to be a pivotal one in their pursu
it of hockey glory.
