Oilers' forward criticized for making zero impact after long term contract
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie - Imagn Images
When Trent Frederic was traded to Edmonton in March, it was with the expectation that he would add physicality and depth scoring, both of which he's failed to deliver after a disappointing start to the season.
Forward's salary far above level of performance
In his first 12 games, Frederic has recorded one goal only, this after starting the year on a line with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, where he failed to make an impression.
Granted, Frederic is not a primary goal scorer, but one goal doesn't cut it. And worse, he's failed to provide the kind of aggression and physicality for which he was paid $3.85M over 8-years.
You may not be able to control goal-scoring, but throwing bodychecks is a mind-set. Playing on a checking 3rd-line whose role is to play with intensity and pace - he's failed there also.
In a recent interview, Oilers' head coach Kris Knoblauch spoke to Frederic's lack of physicality, admitting his expectations of the player were higher.
«He's a player that we're going to rely on to play a little on the edge, some physicality. And right now, we'd like to see a little bit more from him,» Knoblauch said. «He does want to contribute, wants to play well. We've moved him around a lot, whether that's been right wing, left wing, centre, hopefully we can have some stability for him so he can play to his identity. I think he's just trying to find his game and I have no doubt he'll get there.»
In fairness, Frederic is not the only Oiler who's underperforming. Yet, it's his lack of aggression in the offensive zone that is most noticeable, a role that requires playing with intensity - he just need to do it.
The question then, is why is he not?
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 31 | 543 ANSWERS Oilers' forward criticized for making zero impact after long term contract Is Trent Frederic worth the $3.85M over 8 years he's paid? | ||
| yes | 163 | 30 % |
| no | 380 | 70 % |
| List of polls | ||
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