NHL analyst raises concern that may hold up Oilers' 8 year contract with Trent Frederic

Multiple NHL insiders have reported that the Oilers and Frederic are agreeing to an 8 year contract between $3.5-3.8M with a modified no-trade clause. All details are out, but it's yet to be confirmed by the team - which may be because of a medical report.

Former Canucks employee and NHL analyst Rachel Doerrie raised a report from a specialist suggesting that 95% of players with Frederic's injury have no treatment to return to high level sports.

Frederic was able to return to play in the playoffs, but was never close to being an impactful player. His skating clearly limited him early on, and he ended the playoffs with only 1 goal and 4 points.

What's even more concerning is the fact that the Oilers were stung by Frederic's medical reports already. NHL insiders reported that he wouldn't be ready to play in the regular season when the trade was made, but the Oilers still paid for double retention in the three team deal.

With so many details being reported in Frederic's deal, it's very possible that the final thing holding up the deal is the Oilers diving into the prognosis on his injury. At least, Oilers fans should hope so.

Frederic himself admitted that he was disappointed in his playoffs with the Oilers, and was restricted by the injury.

If the Oilers buy low on Frederic and lock him up long term, it could be a great value deal as long as he returns to his previous production. If this ankle injury will continue to be a problem, an 8 year contract will probably be off the table.