Oilers' Kris Knoblauch talks about Trent Frederic's fit, putting his future in question
Photo credit: Edit from The Hockey Writers
Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch touched upon Trent Frederic's struggles this year and stated that he needs to find a fit on the bottom two lines.
Tonight, the Edmonton Oilers travel to Boston to face off against the Bruins, the former team of Trent Frederic. Frederic, once a big off-season acquisition, has failed to impress much as of yet.
Frederic was acquired by the Oilers during the 2024 trade deadline and signed an eight-year extension worth $30.8 million; instead, he's been riding the 4th line during the playoffs and the first 34 games of the current season.
Where Kris Knoblauch believes Trent Frederic fits in the Oilers lineup
The team's head coach, Kris Knoblauch, explained that Frederic still has not yet carved out his niche. He emphasized that it is important that the forward finds his place among the bottom two lines, a shot to Frederic's confidence, no doubt.
"Sometimes it takes two weeks, sometimes it takes two months, sometimes it doesn't ever happen. It takes a while.
We've seen it in the past with players that are coming into Edmonton, and it just never fit. Obviously we're committed to Trent, think he's a good player, and we need to find him a spot where he can help us win."
- Kris Knoblauch
We've seen it in the past with players that are coming into Edmonton, and it just never fit. Obviously we're committed to Trent, think he's a good player, and we need to find him a spot where he can help us win."
- Kris Knoblauch
Frederic has only three points in 34 games and has not provided the physical sting and defensive play that was expected. Punitive options to right his play are available to Edmonton, via healthy scratches, but his contract hinders his situation.
Why buying out Trent Frederic is an option, but could be pricey
A buyout is also an option. According to PuckPedia, a buyout would be spread over 14 years, providing immediate relief of less than $2 million for the first seven years, and eventually $821,000 for the remaining years.
It's an expensive option, but it might just give them the space needed to improve the lineup when Edmonton is in their Stanley Cup window with McDavid still with the team.
Knoblauch is sure that Frederic has yet to find his place on the roster and that they are in win-now mode. This puts the Oilers in a rather tough spot.
If they do not see any improvement in Frederic, it might become necessary to buy him out in order to fit in some key signings.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 18 | 154 ANSWERS Oilers' Kris Knoblauch talks about Trent Frederic's fit, putting his future in question Is Trent Frederic suited best for the bottom two lines? | ||
| Yes | 113 | 73.4 % |
| No | 41 | 26.6 % |
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