Oilers announce status update on Trent Frederic, make questionable choice with rookie goalie

Olivier Rodrigue has been called up in the aftermath of the injury to Stuart Skinner, and was originally reported to starting against the San Jose Sharks.

According to Oilers reporters at practice, Trent Frederic is the first player to be nearing a return to the lineup, and Calvin Pickard will get the start against the Sharks.

It's great news that Trent Frederic is finally nearing a return to the lineup. The Oilers acquired Frederic on March 4th, and the new power forward has still yet to debut with the team.

Frederic was reportedly dealing with an ankle related injury, and initial reports around k the trade suggested that he may not have been able to return until the playoffs. It's great that he'll be in the lineup soon, and get accustomed to the new systems in Edmonton.

However, this may also spell some bad news for the injuries to Connor McDavid, Mattias Ekholm, and Stuart Skinner. Trent Frederic was initially believed to be behind these players in their recovery timelines, and now suddenly has leaped ahead.

Also according to Michaels, Calvin Pickard will get the start against the Sharks. Rodrigue was initially slated to get that start when news broke that Skinner would not join the team on the road trip.

Starting against the rebuilding San Jose Sharks would've been a great first chance to a rookie goalie, but the Oilers clearly are prioritizing wins for home ice advantage, and don't want to take a risk with a rookie in net. In addition, Calvin Pickard has been great in Skinner's absence. Perhaps, Rodrigue starts against Anaheim, but it may be unlikely.

Even though the Sharks aren't a playoff team, tomorrow's game will still be huge for the Oilers to rack up wins and push for home ice advantage in the playoffs again.