Oilers insider hints 7 year contract under discussion with new forward
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The rising salary cap is changing the way NHL teams approach contracts, and the Oilers could try an aggressive strategy with a 7 year contract for Trent Frederic.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that there's been significant traction between the Oilers and Frederic on a new contract to be signed right after the Cup Final.
Edmonton Oilers rumoured to be pursuing 7 year contract with Trent Frederic
Following Friedman's report, Oilers insider Bob Stauffer followed up by offering Nick Paul as a comparable for Frederic's contract - a 7 year deal at $3.15M per year.
Given how much Trent Frederic has struggled with the Oilers so far, handing out a long term deal to a bottom six player would be a major risk. However, there's a plenty of reason to believe it could be a very shrewd deal.
Frederic has been playing through a high ankle sprain since he arrived in Edmonton, which held him out of the lineup in the regular season and has definitely reduced his effectiveness in the playoffs.
His free agent worth may have taken a hit, but because he's playing hurt, there's reason to believe he can bounce back.
Oilers could pluck Tampa Bay Lightning strategy to retaining key depth players
With the NHL salary cap rapidly rising, bottom six players are commanding higher salaries. One way to offset this and keep salary down would be to offer a long-term deal, like Tampa Bay did with Nick Paul and Yanni Gourde.
The top contending NHL teams always have a defined third line that can counter any other opposing combination. If the Oilers believe Frederic could play that role long term beginning next year, he would really become a core piece of the team.
The Oilers may double down on the 27 year old forward, lock him up long term on a low price after a tough playoffs, and could gain a long term third line center out of it.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 8 | 796 ANSWERS Oilers insider hints 7 year contract under discussion with new forward Do you think the Oilers should sign Frederic to a 7 year deal? | ||
| Yes | 351 | 44.1 % |
| No | 445 | 55.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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