Edmonton Oilers first line begins season on top of NHL in key category
Photo credit: Imagn Images
With Jack Roslovic soon to be inserted into the lineup, there will be other Oilers jumping at the opportunity to play on the top line; yet, Trent Frederic is making a strong case as the top-line's fixture on the wing.
With the signing of Jack Roslovic to a one-year contract, head coach Kris Knoblauch has more flexibility and scoring-depth when it comes to creating his lineup.
However, although Trent Frederic has yet to score in his first two games alongside the Oilers' two superstars, his play has trended upward, in particular in the last game versus Vancouver, where he had four shots on net, drew a penalty, threw three hits, and looked like he gelled better with the superstar duo at 5v5.
If his role on the top-line is to make the McDavid line better, then Trent has succeeded; it posted a 74% expected goals for (xGF%) and a 9-3 edge in high-danger chances when he's been on the ice, according toNatural Stat Trick.
Given that Frederic is expected to dig-out pucks in the offensive zone's corners and forecheck aggressively down-low, his stats support his addition to the line.
According to MoneyPuck the line of Frederic, McDavid, and Draisaitl has the highest expected goals-for percentage in the NHL through two games at 92.9% (xGF%), allowing for a staggering number of scoring opportunities while on the ice.
With the Oilers headed for a five-game road, having the edge in defensive play will be of paramount importance, keeping the game simple and north-south. Frederic is known for his physicality, particularly his forechecking and ability to win puck battles in the offensive zone.
This style of play can create space and retrieve pucks for his skilled linemates like McDavid and Draisaitl. He's a big player, standing at 6'3" and 221 pounds, who isn't afraid to go to the net and create traffic, potentially distracting opposing goalies and opening up scoring lanes for his more skilled counterparts.
Though the sample-size is small, Trent is making the coach's decision about who will replace Zach Hyman more difficult; or easy, for that matter, if Frederic continues to strengthen the 1st-line with his play.
«I think my best hockey is yet to come," Frederic said recently. If that is true, then the Oilers will be the better for it.
TRENDING NOW
