Good sign emerges for Trent Frederic turning around this season
Photo credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
In a recent article, Allan Mitchell of The Athletic commented on how Oilers' forward Trent Frederic is trending in the right direction.
Frederic's foot speed is showing signs of recovery. The two recent games against the Flames are his second and third fastest of the season according to NHL Edge. His speed bursts over 32KPH are now above NHL average for forwards. I believe Frederic will impact the game more often when his speed returns fully. There are some encouraging signs.
- Allan Mitchell
- Allan Mitchell
Forward responds to coach's benching
When Edmonton acquired Frederic from Boston, he was an established and effective 3rd-line forward who could also be used on the 1st-line when needed.
This season, however, according to HockeyViz, Trent has impacted the game as one who belongs on the 4th-line, and even there he's not looked a step behind the pace.
As a result, coach Knoblauch benched the 27-year old forward ahead Vegas game on December 21st.
It was a move that many had anticipated and which the Oilers' head coach believed was warranted. It seems that Frederic was showing signs of slow recovery from the high-ankle sprain he suffered in Boston.
«I believe Trent is going to come back into the lineup and be a big part of our team moving forward, whether that's next game, a week down the road or whenever it is,» Knoblauch said. «But I think it's really important Trent has a reset just to step away.
You see it a lot of times in the playoffs where a lot of guys underperform during the regular season, but the first game of the playoffs, it's a new season, then they're fantastic I think with Trent - I'm not sure he comes in next game - but eventually, he'll be back in the lineup, and he just needs a bit of a break, find his game, and come back, because I think he has a lot to offer this team.»
You see it a lot of times in the playoffs where a lot of guys underperform during the regular season, but the first game of the playoffs, it's a new season, then they're fantastic I think with Trent - I'm not sure he comes in next game - but eventually, he'll be back in the lineup, and he just needs a bit of a break, find his game, and come back, because I think he has a lot to offer this team.»
As it turns out, the coach was correct. The week-long break seems to have rejuvenated Frederic, evident in the two recent games against Calgary.
It's a small sample size, but it's also a step in the right direction.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 28 | 812 ANSWERS Good sign emerges for Trent Frederic turning around this season Do you believe Trent Frederic can have a positive impact on the Oilers? | ||
| yes | 369 | 45.4 % |
| no | 443 | 54.6 % |
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