EDMONTON, AB – The Edmonton Oilers have made significant moves as the NHL trade deadline approaches, acquiring forwards Trent Frederic and Max Jones from the Boston Bruins through a complex three-team trade involving the New Jersey Devils.
On March 4, 2025, the Oilers completed this deal, signaling their intent to bolster their roster for the playoffs. Initially, the Bruins traded Frederic, with 50% of his salary retained, to the New Jersey Devils. The Devils then held onto Frederic's contract before flipping him to the Oilers for unsigned draft pick Shane Lachance.
Meanwhile, the Bruins moved Jones along with rights to prospect Petr Hauser to the Oilers. The return for Boston included defenseman Max Wanner, as well as a 2025 second-round pick from the St. Louis Blues, and Edmonton's own fourth-round selection for the 2026 NHL Draft.
This substantial trade not only emphasizes the Oilers' push to strengthen their forward group but also reflects the Bruins' current situation, as they sit uncharacteristically low at 7th place within the Metropolitan Division and are likely focusing on future assets.
Trent Frederic has had solid contributions this season, notching eight goals and seven assists for 15 points across 57 games. Frederic's performance this season is seen as somewhat of a downturn from the previous year's highs, where he recorded career-high numbers of 18 goals and 40 points. Standing at 6’3” and weighing 221 pounds, Frederic is also known for his physical play, ranking second on the Bruins with 155 hits this season. He has been sidelined for the last four games due to a lower-body injury, but is expected to add depth and versatility to the Oilers' offensive lineup upon return.
Jones, also 27 years old and 6’3”, adds additional dimensions to the Oilers' gameplay. Though he has only appeared in seven NHL games this season, he performed impressively at the AHL level, leading the Providence Bruins with 21 points (13 goals, 8 assists) across 31 games. Previously drafted 24th overall by the Anaheim Ducks, Jones has had productive seasons, registering 31 goals and as many assists over 265 career games prior to his addition to the Oilers.
Hauser, meanwhile, shows promise as the Oilers also add his rights to the mix. The 21-year-old currently plays for HC Plzen and has also represented the Czech Republic at the World Junior Championships.
The Oilers currently sit four points behind the Vegas Golden Knights for the top seed in the Pacific Division, making this trade timely as they aim for another deep playoff run following their successful campaign last season. General Manager Stan Bowman stated, "Both Frederic and Jones bring an edge to the ice as big, physical forwards. This trade is pivotal for our strategy as it enhances our lineup depth going forward."
On the flip side, the Bruins' management's decision to trade Frederic and Jones highlights their pivot to acquire future assets, focusing on developing younger players. This significant shift from their playoff aspirations suggests challenges for the team moving forward as they transition their focus.
Overall, the three-way deal not only reshapes the squads involved but also sets up the Oilers for potential playoff success. They are stacking their roster with key players who possess the experience and skill needed to push for the championship. Given Frederic's capability of playing both center and wing alongside Jones' scoring ability, the Oilers look set for one of their most competitive postseason pushes yet.
Frederic will become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, adding another layer of urgency for the Oilers as they seek to maximize his contributions during the upcoming playoff push. The deal effectively embodies their ambition to build on last season's momentum and make effective use of the assets at their disposal as they seek more long-term success. Fans will be watching how these changes play out as the team heads down the final stretch of the regular season.
The March 7 NHL trade deadline will see teams making similar adjustments; trades like these could become more common as franchises adjust to the cap space limitations and pursue effective strategies for both immediate and future success.