The Edmonton Oilers are no strangers to headline-grabbing moves, but this preseason, they’ve managed to surprise even their most die-hard fans. With Zach Hyman sidelined until November, the Oilers’ top line has taken on a dramatically new look—one that features the hard-hitting, versatile Trent Frederic skating alongside superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. It’s a twist few could have predicted as the team eyes another deep playoff run in the 2025-26 NHL season.
The road that brought Frederic to Edmonton was anything but straightforward. In a creative three-team deal finalized before training camp, the Oilers, Bruins, and Devils shuffled prospects and picks in a sequence that ultimately landed Frederic in Oil Country. Boston first sent Frederic to New Jersey, retaining half his salary, in exchange for the rights to prospect Petr Hauser. The Devils then flipped Frederic to Edmonton for the rights to Shane Lachance. Meanwhile, Boston also moved Max Jones and Hauser’s rights to the Oilers, receiving in return defense prospect Max Wanner, a second-round pick in 2025 (originally from St. Louis), and a 2026 fourth-round selection. For Edmonton, though, the headline was simple: Frederic, a 6’3”, 221-pound forward known for his physical edge and willingness to play anywhere in the lineup, was now an Oiler.
Frederic’s arrival wasn’t just about filling a roster spot. At the time of the trade, he had tallied 8 goals and 15 points in 57 games with Boston, ranking among the team leaders in hits (155 this season, 204 the year before). Originally drafted 29th overall in 2016, Frederic had 109 career points in 337 NHL games when he landed in Edmonton. His reputation as a gritty, two-way player was well earned, and the Oilers wasted no time signaling their faith in him. In June, they inked Frederic to a massive eight-year, $30.8 million contract (an average annual value of $3.85 million), a bold commitment for a player who’s never reached the 20-goal plateau in a single season.
So, what makes Frederic so valuable to Edmonton? Versatility is at the top of the list. He’s comfortable at center or on the wing, though his 44.4% faceoff win rate leaves some question as to whether he’s a long-term solution down the middle. What’s not in doubt is his physicality—he averages 163 hits per 82 games, the kind of presence that clears space for skill players like McDavid and Draisaitl. Add in a career shooting percentage of 11.3%, and it’s easy to see why the Oilers’ brass saw untapped potential. His best NHL seasons—18 goals and 40 points in 2023-24, 17 goals and 31 points in 2022-23—suggest he can chip in offensively, even if injuries slowed him last year.
Frederic’s opportunity to make an early impression came quickly. Against Vancouver this past weekend, he notched a goal and an assist, and through three preseason games, he’s posted a 55.7 corsi for and 55.6 expected goals for percentage. Those are the kind of underlying numbers that make coaches take notice, especially when a player is trying to prove he can keep pace with elite linemates. While Hyman’s return will likely bump Frederic down the depth chart, the current audition is all about showing he can be a reliable piece in the top six when injuries hit—and a physical, responsible presence in the bottom six when the roster is healthy.
"This is his chance to prove he can be a reliable piece in a top-six role when injuries hit and a physical presence in the bottom six when everyone is healthy. The Oilers invested eight years in him for a reason," noted a team insider, echoing the sentiment around the locker room. The Oilers’ hope is that Frederic’s blend of size, grit, and sneaky scoring touch can serve as the glue that holds a championship-caliber roster together during the inevitable ups and downs of a long NHL season.
Meanwhile, the context surrounding Edmonton’s roster moves is impossible to ignore. The Oilers have reached the Western Conference Finals in each of the past two seasons, knocking out the Dallas Stars both times, only to fall short against the Florida Panthers in back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals. It’s a run of near-misses that has kept the pressure high and the stakes even higher as the 2025-26 campaign approaches.
Adding another layer of intrigue, Connor McDavid—the face of the Oilers and arguably the best player in hockey—is entering the final year of his contract. Speculation about his future is swirling. Will McDavid stay in Edmonton for the long haul, or will he seek a new challenge elsewhere? The Dallas Stars, perennial contenders in the West who haven’t hoisted the Cup since 1999, are already being floated as a potential landing spot if McDavid tests free agency next summer.
Mark Lazerus of The Athletic made a public pitch to McDavid on behalf of Dallas, highlighting the Stars’ stability and talent: "Hey, Connor. Jim Nill here. You enjoy playing with Leon Draisaitl from time to time, right? Well, how about always playing with Mikko Rantanen? You ever wonder what it’s like to have a reliable goalie? How’s Jake Oettinger sound? You scored a lot of goals with Glen Gulutzan running your power play, no? Well, guess who our new coach is? You’ve had five GMs in 10 years? I’ve been in this chair since you were an Erie Otter. Weary of all the scrutiny in Canada? You could punch Dak Prescott in the face and the press here would only ask Dak about it. Oh, and what are your feelings about taxes?"
The Stars’ core is certainly compelling. Rantanen is locked up long-term, Wyatt Johnston is emerging as a clutch scorer, and Oettinger is among the league’s best between the pipes—a clear advantage over Edmonton’s goaltending situation. If Dallas falls short again this season, the temptation to chase McDavid in free agency will only intensify.
Of course, McDavid’s production remains as dazzling as ever. In 67 games last season, he scored 26 goals and added 74 assists for a plus/minus rating of +20. He’s hit the 100-point mark in each of the last five seasons, and there’s little reason to doubt he’ll do it again in 2025-26. For now, though, Oilers fans are focused on the present—and on whether new faces like Frederic can help push the team over the top.
As the preseason rolls on, all eyes are on Edmonton’s evolving lineup and McDavid’s future. The Oilers’ front office has signaled its intent to win now, investing heavily in players who can make a difference when it matters most. If Frederic can seize the moment and carve out a key role, he might just become the kind of unsung hero every championship team needs. And as for McDavid? The speculation will only grow louder as the season unfolds, but for now, the chase for the Cup—and for answers—continues in Edmonton.
