Trent Frederic answers toughest question, Oilers analyst warns team may make surprise move
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
Edmonton Oilers forward Trent Frederic has been a complete non-factor this season, and now he's being confronted with some harsh realities.
The Oilers paid an exorbitant trade price to acquire Frederic last season, and signed him to an 8 year contract even after an awful playoffs. They bet that 8 year deal that Frederic could be better - but instead he's proven to be a total nothing.
Trent Frederic confronted on failing physical role or any offensive success
Speaking to the media last night, Frederic candidly answered his extreme struggles so far this season. He took accountability for his lack of effectiveness, but he also had a bizarre explanation.
Frederic said that he needs to score more goals before he can be a physical presence. In addition, he's struggling to make an impact with reduced ice time.
I'm trying to check my way out of it. Fighting stuff comes. You can only ask so many guys when you have 1 goal in 15 games, no one's going to fight you. I'd do the same thing. Who wants to fight a guy with 1 goal in 15 games? I wouldn't.
It makes it difficult when you're sitting there. It's a lot of game time, but a lot of actual time. It's not the easiest. It's part of it, you have to figure out a way to be effective.
- Trent Frederic
It makes it difficult when you're sitting there. It's a lot of game time, but a lot of actual time. It's not the easiest. It's part of it, you have to figure out a way to be effective.
- Trent Frederic
To say the Frederic signing has been a failure so far is an understatement. It looks like the Oilers signed a Nick Ritchie-type player to an 8 year contract.
Frederic quickly needs to find a way to replicate what made him successful with the Bruins. If he doesn't, Oilers analyst Allan Mitchell suggested the team place him on the IR for an extended period.
Play the kids, put Frederic on IR, split 97-29 and stop with those dadblasted stretch passes.
- Allan Mitchell
- Allan Mitchell
Frederic may still be dealing with the effects of a lingering ankle injury, but that doesn't matter now. He's expected to be contributing if he's in the lineup, and he's simply not.
Something needs to change with Frederic soon, otherwise the stink of his 8 year contract will start to get stronger as the season wears on.
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