Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch sends a message to underperforming forward Trent Frederic
Photo credit: Athabasca Advocate
Edmonton Oilers forward Trent Frederic, who is in the first year of an eight-year deal he signed in the summer, was recently called out by head coach Kris Knoblauch for not performing up to snuff.
In a deal that plenty of fans and analysts questioned the minute it was announced, the Edmonton Oilers signed forward Trent Frederic, who they acquired at last year's trade deadline from the Boston Bruins, to an eight year contract.
So far, Frederic has underperformed in the first year of his deal and has three points (2G, 1A) in 34 games.
Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch has moved Frederic further down in the lineup and he'll face his ex-Bruins teammates tonight in Edmonton's bottom-six.
Per Knoblauch, Frederic needs to find a place in the lineup where he can be most effective.
Now that we're 30-some games in and we have a pretty good handle where our guys should be slotted and playing. As for Trent Frederic, it's being on a third or fourth line, giving us some physicality, just being an all-around good player. - Kris Knoblauch
Knoblauch said that even though there's an adjustment period for players in new environments, they're still committed to him and believe he can help them win.
There's an adjustment period. Sometimes that takes two weeks, sometimes two months, sometimes it doesn't ever happen. Obviously we're committed to Trent. We think he's a good player and we need to find him a spot where he can help us win. - Kris Knoblauch
Trent Frederic Is In The First Of An Eight Year Deal He Signed In The Summer
Frederic, whom the Oilers acquired from the Bruins at the Trade Deadline, hasn't come close to living up to the expectations of his surprising eight year contract he was given.
Frederic's best year came in a Bruins sweater in 2023-24 when he had 40 points (18G, 22A).
He's never going to be the focal point of Edmonton's offense, but considering the contract he was given, he needs to start contributing much more than he has been.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 19|245 ANSWERS Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch sends a message to underperforming forward Trent Frederic Was the eight-year contract for Trent Frederic a mistake? | ||
| Yes | 226 | 92.2 % |
| No | 19 | 7.8 % |
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