Oilers coach bluntly admits the problem with Trent Frederic before playing Bruins
The signing of Trent Frederic has been a complete failure for the Oilers so far, so much so that the Coach has admitted there's no place for him in the lineup.
Signed to an 8-year, $30.8M contract, the Oilers are clearly committed to Trent Frederic unless they take the path of a buyout. Otherwise, this looks like an untradeable contract that Edmonton will have to make the most of. Right now, it's just all ugly.
Oilers coach Knoblauch admits Frederic still hasn't found role in lineup, Frederic agrees
Speaking to the media before today's game against Frederic's former team, Knoblauch essentially admitted that Frederic still doesn't have a role on the team, and hasn't helped them win games.
Sometimes it takes two weeks, sometimes it takes two months, sometimes it doesn't ever happen. It takes a while.
We've seen it in the past with players that are coming into Edmonton, and it just never fit. Obviously we're committed to Trent, think he's a good player, and we need to find him a spot where he can help us win.
- Coach Knoblauch
We've seen it in the past with players that are coming into Edmonton, and it just never fit. Obviously we're committed to Trent, think he's a good player, and we need to find him a spot where he can help us win.
- Coach Knoblauch
Frederic essentially agreed to that statement, saying that he still doesn't know where he fits on the Oilers lineup.
Nearing the halfway point of the season, there's been no redeeming qualities for Frederic. He has just 3 points in 34 games, isn't bringing any physicality, isn't a penalty killer, and isn't good defensively.
Last game against the Penguins, Frederic was floating through the defensive zone which allowed Pittsburgh to walk in and score.
Something needs to change here with Frederic, and there's still time for him to turn it around. Maybe he gets a spark from playing his former team tonight, or a healthy scratch would be a kick in the pants.
Either way, attention is starting to really focus on Frederic for this brutal season. At this rate, he's on track to be a scratch in the playoffs, and a buyout candidate in the summer.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 18 | 679 ANSWERS Oilers coach bluntly admits the problem with Trent Frederic before playing Bruins Do you think Trent Frederic will be with the Oilers past this season? | ||
| Yes | 241 | 35.5 % |
| No, they'll buy him out | 438 | 64.5 % |
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