Edmonton Oilers GM defends questionable contract signed this offseason
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
Oilers GM Stan Bowman spoke up in a recent interview to defend giving Trent Frederic a questionable 8-year, $30.8M contract.
Frederic struggled greatly in his brief time with the Edmonton Oilers, only registering 1 goals and 4 points in 22 playoff games. Plenty of fans were shocked to see Frederic get an 8 year contract after that performance.
Oilers GM Stan Bowman defends 8 year contract for Trent Frederic
Speaking in a new interview with the 100% Hockey Podcast, Stan Bowman defended the Frederic contract by citing their belief in him on and off the ice, as well as his unique style of play.
He's just an awesome guy, first of all. Like outside of the hockey, he's a guy that you believe in, you want him as part of your team. So I really like the character of Freddie, but that alone is not the reason to sign a guy to a long-term deal.
He's got that intimidation factor where he'll go to the other team's bench and challenge anybody, like stop messing around with our group. That's something that I find, you either have that or you don't.
And he's scored, you know, he scored what, 18 goals twice in a row at a fairly young, younger age. So I think he's got the game in him. And I think when you add all that up, it comes down to he's a very unique player.
- Stan Bowman
He's got that intimidation factor where he'll go to the other team's bench and challenge anybody, like stop messing around with our group. That's something that I find, you either have that or you don't.
And he's scored, you know, he scored what, 18 goals twice in a row at a fairly young, younger age. So I think he's got the game in him. And I think when you add all that up, it comes down to he's a very unique player.
- Stan Bowman
Frederic was a shell of himself in the playoffs coming off a high ankle sprain injury, and the Oilers definitely overpaid for him in trade with double retention - but this can still be a good deal for Edmonton.
Still only 27 years old, if Frederic can arrive in the agitator role with the ability to score near 20 goals a season, he'll be a great contributor anywhere in the Oilers lineup. True power forwards are hard to come by nowadays, and Bowman wants him locked up.
If Frederic can live up to Bowman's expectations, he'll be a core piece of the team regardless of where in the lineup he plays in the next 8 years.
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