Following the Trent Frederic trade, the Oilers’ deadline priorities were made public.
1 (150-200 words)
The Edmonton Oilers entered the 2024-25 NHL season with high expectations, as they have in recent years, led by two of the best players in the world in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Despite their star power, the team has faced challenges, notably in the defensive zone and with goaltending consistency. With the NHL trade deadline looming, the Oilers were expected to make moves to shore up their roster for a serious Stanley Cup push.
In a surprising and strategic move, the Oilers acquired forward Trent Frederic from the Boston Bruins. While Frederic isn’t the biggest name in the NHL, his physicality and versatility could add an important dimension to the Oilers’ lineup. His arrival prompted the Oilers’ management to reevaluate their priorities at the trade deadline. Now, with Frederic on the roster, the Oilers’ focus shifts toward improving key areas that will enhance their playoff chances, particularly on defense, goaltending, and further solidifying their forward depth.
This article will explore the Oilers’ immediate needs and their trade deadline priorities after the Frederic deal, including what kind of moves they are likely to make to strengthen their lineup for a potential championship run.
2. Background on the Trent Frederic Trade (300-350 words)
On March 3, 2025, the Edmonton Oilers made a strategic move at the trade deadline, acquiring forward Trent Frederic from the Boston Bruins. The deal, which involved a combination of future draft picks and a minor league prospect, has been met with mixed reactions, but many see it as a depth move designed to improve the Oilers’ bottom-six forward group. Frederic, known for his size, physicality, and versatility, is a player that could make an impact in a number of roles for the Oilers.
Frederic, who stands 6’3” and weighs over 220 pounds, is known for his gritty playstyle and ability to bring a physical presence on the ice. With the Bruins, he was often used as a power forward, capable of generating energy on the forecheck and providing a physical presence in front of the net. His defensive game, while not elite, is reliable enough to contribute to the penalty kill and potentially fill a shutdown role in the bottom six for the Oilers.
While Frederic is not expected to be a game-changer in terms of offensive production, his ability to disrupt opposing players and create space for skilled players like McDavid and Draisaitl could be invaluable. He also adds depth to a team that has struggled with consistency in their bottom-six forwards. His ability to match up physically against tough opponents could allow the Oilers to better compete in a high-intensity playoff atmosphere, where physicality often plays a larger role.
The trade was not just about adding a player, but about addressing a specific need. The Oilers have long been a team built around speed and skill, but in recent years, they’ve lacked the type of depth players who can make life difficult for opponents in the trenches. Frederic fits that mold and could provide the necessary balance to their top-heavy forward lines.
3. Oilers’ Current Roster and Needs Heading into the Deadline (400-500 words)
Heading into the 2024-25 NHL trade deadline, the Edmonton Oilers were sitting in a competitive position in the Western Conference, but they knew they had work to do to solidify their place among the league’s elite. The team’s greatest strength is its offense, led by the dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who have consistently been among the league’s top point producers. In fact, McDavid is on pace to win his sixth Hart Trophy as the league’s MVP, further solidifying his reputation as one of the best players to ever play the game.
However, despite this elite offensive talent, the Oilers have often struggled in other key areas. Defense has been a recurring issue for Edmonton, with inconsistent play in their own zone and a lack of depth on the blue line. While they have some solid players in the top four, such as Darnell Nurse and Evan Bouchard, their defense corps lacks a true shutdown presence that can effectively match up against the top lines of the other Western Conference contenders.
Additionally, the goaltending situation, while stable with Stuart Skinner and Jack Campbell, is another area of concern. Skinner has shown flashes of brilliance, but his consistency at a high level, especially in the postseason, remains unproven. Campbell, while capable, has struggled at times and could be a question mark for the team moving forward.
The Oilers have had a historically strong power play, led by McDavid and Draisaitl, but their penalty kill has been inconsistent, and their depth scoring—beyond the first two lines—has often been hit or miss. This is where the Frederic trade comes in. With Frederic in the fold, the Oilers now have an additional option in the bottom six who can contribute defensively and physically.
While Frederic’s acquisition addresses some of the Oilers’ depth concerns, there are still gaps in their roster that need to be filled, especially on the blue line. As the deadline approaches, the Oilers will be looking to add more stability and depth, particularly in defense, to ensure they are a complete team capable of making a deep playoff run.
4. Post-Frederic Trade: Immediate Adjustments (350-400 words)
With Trent Frederic now in the fold, the Oilers’ forward group has gained an added dimension of physicality and grit, which should provide the team with an edge in certain situations, especially in the postseason. Frederic’s size and style of play will allow head coach Jay Woodcroft to deploy him in a variety of roles, including as a matchup player against tough competition. His defensive responsibility will likely make him a solid fit for the Oilers’ penalty kill, and he could be utilized as a disruptor on the forecheck, allowing the Oilers to gain possession in critical moments.
In terms of line combinations, Frederic could slot in on the third or fourth line alongside fellow energy players. His ability to play on either wing gives Woodcroft flexibility, but he could provide a nice complement to a player like Ryan McLeod, who is known for his speed and two-way play. This duo could form an energetic, defensive-minded third line that would give the Oilers a solid checking unit while still being capable of contributing offensively in certain matchups.
While Frederic’s addition certainly improves the Oilers’ forward depth, the question still remains as to whether this will be enough to push the team past their playoff hurdles. The Oilers are already an offensive juggernaut, but the absence of a reliable third pairing and lack of a true top-four defenseman remains a critical issue. Frederic helps with grit and defensive coverage up front, but the Oilers’ defensive corps is still a major focus moving forward.
5. Key Deadline Priorities for the Oilers (500-600 words)
As the trade deadline approaches, the Oilers have clear priorities that need to be addressed to ensure they can make a serious Stanley Cup run. While the addition of Frederic helps in the short term, the following areas remain crucial for the team’s playoff success:
1. Defensive Help:
The Oilers’ most pressing need is defensive depth. Despite improvements from players like Evan Bouchard and the solid play of Darnell Nurse, the Oilers still lack a legitimate top-pairing defenseman. The Oilers are looking for someone who can log heavy minutes, defend against top lines, and provide some offensive production from the blue line. A player like Jakob Chychrun (Arizona Coyotes) or Damon Severson (New Jersey Devils) would be a perfect fit for this role. They would help solidify the Oilers’ defense and potentially allow Bouchard to play in a more offensive role.
2. Goaltending Stability:
While Stuart Skinner has shown potential, the Oilers may still look for a veteran goalie who can provide stability in the crease. A goaltender who can come in and either push Skinner for the starting role or provide a reliable backup would go a long way in giving the Oilers peace of mind heading into the postseason. A name to watch could be James Reimer from the San Jose Sharks, who would provide depth and experience for the team.
3. Forward Depth:
Although the Frederic trade helps address the bottom six forward depth, the Oilers may still need to add one more versatile forward. A player like Max Domi (Chicago Blackhawks) or Brock Boeser (Vancouver Canucks) could provide additional scoring punch and flexibility, allowing the Oilers to spread out their offensive contributions more evenly throughout the lineup.
4. Cap Space Management:
The Oilers’ salary cap situation is a major consideration when it comes to making trades. Given that they are already close to the cap ceiling, any trade made will have to be carefully calculated. Moving underperforming players or smaller contracts could free up space to add the necessary pieces. Oilers GM Ken Holland will need to be creative in ensuring that they don’t exceed the cap while still improving the roster.
6. Potential Trade Targets (300-400 words)
The Oilers will likely target players who can make an immediate impact without costing too much in terms of assets. Some potential trade targets could include:
- Defensemen: Jakob Chychrun (Arizona Coyotes), Damon Severson (New Jersey Devils), or even a veteran like Mattias Ekholm (Nashville Predators).
- Goaltending: James Reimer (San Jose Sharks) or Anton Forsberg (Ottawa Senators).
- Forwards: Max Domi (Chicago Blackhawks), Brock Boeser (Vancouver Canucks), or even a player like Calle Järnkrok (Toronto Maple Leafs) who could provide depth and penalty-killing ability.
7. Oilers’ Playoff Push: Expectations and Pressing Questions (300-350 words)
As the Oilers aim for a deep playoff run, they must consider how their regular-season struggles may impact them when the pressure ramps up in the postseason. How will their defensive deficiencies and goaltending consistency hold up against the league’s elite teams? The Oilers will need to answer these questions and ensure they have the necessary tools to compete at the highest level.
(150-200 words)
The Oilers have already made a strong move in acquiring Trent Frederic, but with the trade deadline still looming, more action is needed. Whether it’s adding a top-tier defenseman, bolstering the goaltending situation, or further solidifying forward depth, the Oilers’ roster needs to be optimized for a postseason push. With McDavid, Draisaitl, and a playoff-ready core, they are a dangerous team—provided they make the right moves before the deadline.