Oilers sign 8 year contract for Trent Frederic, announce veteran forward will leave

Frederic's 8 year deal was initially reported to be under discussion during the Stanley Cup Final. The Oilers are clearly buying low on Frederic after a bad playoffs, and hopefully that locking him up with the rising cap provides good long term value.

The Oilers have yet to officially announce Frederic's contract, but NHL insider Darren Dreger has announced the deal will be for 8 years, at $3.8M a year. There's expected to be a modified no-trade list too.

The Oilers' trade deadline move for Trent Frederic frankly didn't turn out well. The team paid a heavy price to acquire him with double salary retention, and Frederic was too injured to play until the playoffs.

Dealing with a high ankle-sprain through the whole postseason, Frederic didn't contribute much of anything in the postseason run - and finished with only 1 goal and 4 points.

However, the Oilers clearly believe in the 27 year old bouncing back, and having a long and effective career. If this is buying low on Frederic and looking up a key bottom six player for term while the cap explodes, it could be a shrewd move by Edmonton - or an anchor of a contract.

The team was comfortable handing 8 years to Trent Frederic, but Connor Brown will be walking to free agency in search of more term from another team.

According to NHL insider Ryan Rishaug, Brown is likely to test free agency. He's reportedly been looking for a 4 year contract after two short-term deals - but the Oilers aren't willing to commit term to the 31 year old.

Brown had been a solid 4th liner and penalty killer for the Oilers the last two seasons, and was a beloved figure in the locker room. Management is making a tough call though, that they could find a similar player much cheaper elsewhere.

The Oilers will be making some new bold moves this offseason in search of the smallest bump toward a Stanley Cup Final win. The next 82 games will almost be painful for the Oilers with the sole goal beginning in late April.