Edmonton Oilers officially signing Trent Frederic to huge contract after brutal playoffs
Photo credit: Imagn Images
According to new reports from NHL insider Andy Strickland, the Edmonton Oilers have signed Trent Frederic to an 8 year contract with a price of $4M per season.
Reports had surfaced earlier this playoffs that the Oilers were interested in a long-term deal with Frederic to keep his salary lower, and it seems they've accomplished just that with his new deal. Now, he needs to make up for a disappointing playoff.
Edmonton Oilers reportedly sign grinder forward Trent Frederic to 8 year contract
The Oilers acquired Trent Frederic at this year's trade deadline from the Boston Bruins, and paid a heavy price in a three team trade. To get Frederic with 75% salary retained, the Oilers traded Shane LaChance, Max Wanner, a 2nd round draft pick, and a 4th round pick.
Unfortunately, the Oilers didn't even need to pay so much for Frederic's salary retention. He came to the Oilers with a high ankle sprain, and wasn't able to play for the rest of the regular season. What's most frustrating is that the Oilers knew his medical report before the trade.
Through this year's playoffs, Frederic struggled to provide anything while playing through the ankle injury. In 22 games, he only scored 1 goal and 4 points.
Oilers buying low on Trent Frederic, planning to keep as core piece
So with this 8 year contract for a struggling forward, the Edmonton Oilers are trying to buy very low on Frederic, and keep his cap hit down for years to come. When the salary cap moves close to $115M or higher within the next three years, Frederic's salary could look like a bargain.
Frederic could be a fixture in the Oilers bottom six and be an anchor for a balanced lineup of this contract goes well. At the same time, there's sufficient risk in giving such a long contract with a no-move clause for a bottom six player - especially after struggling as much as he has.
$4M may seem a little high given how much he's struggled so far, and the fact that he's never been a scorer in his career, but the rising salary cap will drive up prices significantly this summer.
It's nice at least that Frederic has enjoyed his time in Edmonton enough to sign on for another 8 years. Now, he's got to pay it back with his play on the ice.
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JUIN 18 | 1583 ANSWERS Edmonton Oilers officially signing Trent Frederic to huge contract after brutal playoffs Do you think signing Trent Frederic for 8 years is a good idea? | ||
| Yes | 419 | 26.5 % |
| No | 1164 | 73.5 % |
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