The Edmonton Oilers are home and dry, but the roster is not intact. Injuries and illness have impacted the defense, to the point an emergency recall of Cam Dineen was required in front of tonight’s game. Dineen came over from the Coyotes at the deadline two years ago. If he plays tonight, it’ll be his first NHL appearance since 2021-22.
Dineen is technically the Michael Kesselring return, but that’s unfair to the player. If this situation took place a week from now, Travis Dermott might have been the recall. He has yet to play for the Condors after being reclaimed off waivers.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN MARCH
- On the road to: CAR (Expected 0-0-1) (Actual 1-0-0)
- At home to: ANA, MTL, DAL (Expected 2-1-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- On the road to: BUF, NJD, NYI, NYR (Expected 2-2-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- At home to: UTA, WPG, SEA, DAL (Expected 2-2-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- On the road to: SEA (Expected 0-0-1) (Actual 0-0-0)
- At home to: CGY (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- Overall expected results: 7-5-2, 16 points in 14 games
- March result: 1-0-0
- Oilers in 2024-25: 35-21-4, 74 points in 60 games
I have tonight as a win, but the injury/illness combined with ‘first game back at home’ syndrome could be factors. Connor McDavid had his “Mr. Bo-Dangles” brilliance back against Carolina, maybe he has a monster game. It’s well past time for the most brilliant hockey player on the planet.
TRADE DEADLINE
All kinds of goofy going on around the Oilers as the deadline approaches. Everybody has an NMC it seems, and that’s a problem. Even if the Oilers can find a new hockey home for Evander Kane, Viktor Arvidsson or (unlikely) Jeff Skinner, it would come at an extra asset cost.
This team is loaded for bear, and should be looking at two or even three moves. If trading the NMC’s doesn’t work, then Stan Bowman might have to trade something that isn’t nailed down.
In terms of future value, I would list Evan Bouchard, Matt Savoie, Brett Kulak, Ty Emberson, Vasily Podkolzin, Troy Stecher, Calvin Pickard as players the organization should keep.
What’s left? Well, aside from the three horsemen (Arvidsson, Skinner and Kane), I think the 2026 first-round pick and 2025 picks of value (currently, Nos. 42, 74) will be in play. I suspect Sam O’Reilly is a keeper, the two-way center is Rick Pracey’s first selection as Oilers scouting director. Historically, the Oilers have been patient with those men, and with good reason. Kevin Lowe, Ales Hemsky, Jordan Eberle, Connor McDavid, Dylan Holloway have all turned out well or better over the years.
I like Beau Akey as a possible trade piece, but it’s uncertain how much value he would bring. Same thing for Maxim Berezkin, who is a legit big winger with skill in the KHL. A Euro-savvy NHL general manager might know that Samuel Jonsson is spiking in the Allsvenskan, maybe there’s an option there.
On the subject of Oilers draft picks, Raphael Lavoie is giving off some Jean-Francois Jacques vibes. He’s played in eight games with VGK, and has yet to post any points. Now at 15 NHL games without a crooked boxcar number, the ghost of JFJ is beginning to stir. Tremble time.
At noon today, we will be on the air on Sports 1440. Lowdown’s feature guest will be Daniel Nugent-Bowman at The Athletic, and we’ll talk trade deadline and the news surrounding Kane and Arvidsson. Donovan Paulson joins the party, so expect strong opinions and a general mocking of the Blue Jays. I’m at Lowetide on twitter, in the comments section here and on the Sports 1440 text line at 1.833.401.1440 directly. We can be heard at sports1440.ca; iHeartRadio, Radioplayer Canada, it’s available post-show on apple and spotify, and we tweet it out on X.
New for The Athletic: Who says no? Evaluating 20 Edmonton Oilers trade proposals, from goalie swaps to Brad Marchand
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6172895/2025/03/04/oilers-trade-proposals-2025/
As a result of this trade, the Oilers do not currently own a 4th round pick until 2028.
On the plus side, they have all their 3rd round picks, just in case they have to send one to Calgary.
2025: 3rd, 6th, 7th
2026: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th
2027: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th
… for now
Rick Pracey not exactly being given a lot of bullets in the chamber this year.
If the current 2025 picks hold, it will be like the three-pick 2023 draft what netted Akey, Day and Copponi.
With Lachance and Wanner getting dealt, the Oilers have the rights to only six of the 16 players they drafted from ’20-’22:
’20: Berezkin
’21: Münzenberger, Petrov
’22: Jonsson, Yevseyev, Määttä
We might never see Berezkin or Yevseyev cross the pond, so really just four.
If they don’t sign any CHL/NCAA/Euro FA’s, I just wonder whether they don’t do at this year’s draft what they did last year, i.e., deal a future 1st for a current one.
Oh, and apologies to Albin Sundin who I had forgotten about when I said Akey was the only RHD prospect of note. No idea how he has done this year though. Calling SwedishPoster…
Haven’t done the math yet, with the retention I think that’s a bit of Kane insurance if he comes back early with Frederic’s LTIR spot. The Oil can do something else without breaking the cap and then….what happens if they did that? Does anyone know the consequences? Automatic L’s?
It’s been a while since I took a look at the CBA but I think they’d be forced to make a roster mover to get cap compliant or else yes they would need to forfeit games until they got cap compliant
They will send two guys down. My guess is Stecher and Kap or Savoie. Possibly two forwards, if they don’t make any more deals
When Berezkin signs in June, noone will remember LaChance!
We remember them all. The ones who stayed and it worked out, the ones who got away and thrived and all the rest.
Jackson Houck deserved a full shot! Greg Chase wasn’t given a chance! Aidan Muir had a great D+1 for the Indiana Ice!
Kristians Pelss could have been a great depth forward 🙁
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/article-wayne-gretzky-donald-trump-canada-legacy/
Can’t stand Cathal Kelly’s hit pieces on Gretzky. This article is behind a paywall but I suspect it’s more of the same drivel from Globe & Mail. Keep the Great One’s name out of your gord damn mouth!
FYI you can use archive (dot) is to get past basically any paywall if you want …
Not substack unfortunately. Not the FT. I think, not the WSJ either. Nor Bloomberg.
True, but we should support substack folks/independent journalism, MSM who ram advertisements down our throats however …
Because he was great at hockey he’s not allowed to do what he wants, because he was born in Canada, even though he hasn’t lived in Canada as long as he has in the US, and his immediate family are American. Must do what certain political stripes want. The psychological term for that is ‘a lack of sophistication of executive level functioning’
Grrrr but orange man bad he no like Canada
They’re all bonkers, choose your unpalatable cup and plug your nose
At 221 lbs., Frederic supplants Draisaitl as the heaviest forward on the team.
He is the 3rd heaviest Oiler behind Ekholm (225) and SSkinner (230).
Stats taken from Oilers website.
would not have guessed Stu was the heaviest Oiler
Stan Bowman continues the Oilers brilliant tradition of bleeding assets for marginal NHLers.
Bleeding marginal assets, right?
They are both fine prospects but both are marginal prospects.
I liked Wanner, he has a very heartening rookie pro season but materially regressed in his second season and then missed 30+ games to injury. Essentially a lost development season. He has 3rd pairing upside and is not close – at least one full AHL season away, if not 2+ if he even makes it.
LaChance is also a nice prospect who has been wildly inconsistent this season – massive swings – currently in a 10 game slump. A fine prospect but I presume he was unlikely to sign.
Neither of these is Michael Kesselring for this franchise.
That is Luca Munzenburger!
A 2nd rounder is not nothing.
Trent Frederic is not nothing, nor a “marginal NHLer”
Durag is correct. A 2nd round pick isn’t a marginal asset. Frederic isn’t a marginal player. You can disagree about the trade being a good one without underselling eah player/asset.
agreed, as I stated the same thing, ridiculous statement.
He’s currently 338th highest scoring forward in the league based on 5v5 P/60 (minimum 300 minutes), doesn’t play a “core” position (top-6, 3C) or special teams.
That’s pretty much the definition of marginal.
No, not really. marginal means situated at the edge or margin of something, and he’s been an established NHL for 3 years now and he’s not at risk of losing his spot on an NHL roster. He’s scored close to 20 goals the past two years.
A depth player? Yes. A fringe NHLer? No
I mean…it’s not? Unless, like, 40% of NHL players are “marginal”. Is Adam Henrique a marginal NHLer?
Trent Frederic is not a marginal NHLer. Jones def is and likely not an nhler and the the other guy well he isn’t either at this point. Was a lil much, maybe but if they resign Frederic I am ok with the deal.
Love NHL_Sid’s work.
Nice review here on Frederic, looks like a good add. PK, forecheck, physical, productive
https://oilersnation.com/news/oilers-trade-deadline-targets-middle-six-and-depth-forwards
I have no idea if he works out but we are committed now so the positivity is welcome.
Armia looks strong as well based on Sids work here.
Sounds like his 5×5 skills would work well with either McDavid or Draisaitl.
I imagine Nuge and Henrique will also look good with him running alongside them as their LW.
He’ll drag the old dogs into the fight, he’ll create space for the talent, he’ll cause the opposition to lose some focus thinking about him.
The Oilers could be rolling out 3 left wings that consist of Kane, Podkolzin, Frederick. That’s a load and a good group for the war that is Vegas.
Whether he scores or not, if he’s healthy at least one line won’t be playing on the perimeter if the middle gets clogged. It should open ice for others. If Kane stays and can play, and Perry can stay in the lineup it also means 3 lines will have cover against butthead play
3 forwards that players take seriously in terms of having to fight them, Kane and Perry with league top mental tactics. Not sure about Frederic but apparently he’s vocal on the ice
I was expecting a lot of Florida type tactics these playoffs with the team being smaller and old. Pretty hard for Kane and Perry to do it all and not get targeted by the refs, spread the ‘love’
If Pod wants to get into it as well cooking with gas
This and the JFresh player card have me more optimistic than I was when the trade was announced. Still think its an overpay but what’s done is done.
Hope he goes on a Pisani-type run that ends better than the last 2 SCF G7s
This is quite the turnaround from your 25 posts below 🙂
I think we let it play out and see how it works out. The size, relatively good boots, the fact he likes banging in around the blue paint – those are all things the bottom 6 lacks right now. Worth a look if nothing else.
lol, I stand by everything I said, I just don’t have time for people overlooking poor asset management and shortcomings because a guy is willing to fight.
That and other crap-disturbing tactics have value, but they’re not more valuable than putting the puck in the other team’s net, and never will be.
I think it’s a bad trade and he’ll sign with a U.S. team next year, and the oilers will have parted with a 2nd/4th/Wanner for ~35 games of Frederic and ~7 goals.
I hope he proves me wrong, but don’t expect it to happen
If you look into the stats a bit you’ll see that NHL_Sid has misled you.
“PK”: Frederic has never been a regular on the PK, the most he has averaged is 0:37 per game (2023-24) and that’s not 1st or 2nd unit.
“Center”: He hasn’t ever been a full-time center at the NHL level, having never averaged more than 3.7 faceoffs per game. He also doesn’t win more than about 45% of them either.
“Productive”: Sid talks about his scoring rates in previous years, but neglects to mention that he’s scoring like a mid-level 4th liner thus year. His 1.03 P/60 would be 16th among Oilers forwards, ahead of only Derek Ryan (1.02). There are some reasons for this – his shooting percentage has normalized and he’s producing fewer scoring chances and HD chances than in previous years.
He certainly is physical and perhaps is a good forechecker, although his mediocre takeaway rate doesn’t reflect that.
Armia is a pretty vanilla player for his size, not for me. Also, Tanev’s picture should be in the HHOF, next to the Slapshot movie display (if there is one)
After reading 40 or 50 comments I am stunned by the trade negatives….this is all about winning now….correcting the team construction was necessary before we could win in playoff hockey. I wont pretend to know anything about the Chech player, but Frederick and Jones will change our size, speed and correct a major flaw. Fabulous deal with the D side yet to come.
Jones will not play an NHL game this year.
Frederic is a fine player but the acquisition cost was too steep, and comparable players will likely move before the deadline for far less.
Jones is not an NHLer. If he is in our line we are in trouble.
Frederic on LTIR is not a feature. He comes in at 0.25 x 2.3M against the cap. That somehow puts his cap hit as less then the minimum wage. (Am i doing this right?).
That means getting him into the lineup and someone else out reduces our cap hit.
So as winchestor asked, why on earth did we pay an extra asset to NJ for retention?
To add additional deadlines pieces, unless the math is now social studies.
Don’t understand the Social studies comment but: we paid a 4th and a prospect to NJ for 575 000 in retention. He now costs 575000 against cap. A cap savings for sure, once we send someone down. When that happens, if the demoted player makes 1.15M, we save 575000 for another player. But we can’t do this until he gets into the lineup, which is probably not in 3 days since he’s injured. So how does that savings help us at the deadline?
Maybe he is or isn’t, maybe there’s a roster player or 2 leaving town. In a few days the answers will be available
In a few days the answer may available. But the fun is reasoning it out beforehand!
thanks
McDavid with 35 points in his last 15 games against Anaheim (21 in his last 10).
March is also historically McDavid’s best month.
Above points courtesy of Liam and Tyler on ON Everyday.
Its also simply time for McDavid, as we know him, to return (Bouch, Ek, Nuge, Hyman as well but we know who his the key).
Supernova start today. I expect it.
So very true.
Oilers big finishing winger did not emerge this year. Yet if Hyman, Nuge, Arvidson, Bouchard and maybe that other guy who shall not be named – if they all go on a tear and pop 3 goals each , that is a significant bump.
Jerred Smithson? Is that you?
At Smithson was actually a C and was good on faceoffs. Oh, and he ONLY cost a 4th …
I would love to see Zadorov on the Oilers blue line for playoffs. An absolute terror and difference maker. Poor target due to dollars and contract unfortunately.
Can’t wait to see Bouchard for Zadorov and Brazeau. Time for Bowman to go full troglodyte.
No need to be foolish.
Last best of 7 against Vancouver Zadorov destroyed our forwards. Kane tried to tackle him but was not effective. Zadorov had more impact on the game and series that Q Hughs had on the series. Oilers had forwards that just skated to the bench when puck was dumped into Zadorovs corner.
Yes, truculence is a big deal. It doesn’t put up goals directly but you cannot underestimate how important it is. Physical play. Not fighting
You don’t trade Bouchard, you try and balance out your roster. You try and create chaos, time, and space for your skill players. And you don’t leave your teamates lying on the ice bleeding because you are too scared to tackle the culprit.
Question: If Frederic is on LTIR and may stay there until playoffs, why bother with retention? Does his cap hit even apply?
Because the Oilers doctors will rush him back to the lineup before he’s ready so he gets injured and is ineffective down the stretch?
Because the oilers don’t do their due diligence when trading for players?
Because “better safe than sorry” and what do draft picks matter anyways?
Because Oilers?
The inly answer is that they believe he’ll play soon.
@reporterchris
Jake Evans signs a four-year with #habs carrying a $2.85M AAV.
10:14 AM · Mar 4, 2025
Term carries some risk, but that’s a good bit of business for MTL in my opinion
Near 3 million for 4 years as a 4C is a good bit of business?
Ahem..
YuO dOn’T kNoW hOcKeY
Actually plays C, kills penalties, and they didn’t have to give up draft picks to get him. And cap inflation brings the effective cap hit down as the deal progresses.
You missed a couple key differences there, might need to put the bong down 🙂
There’s a ton of 4C’s that PK around.the league for league minimum that cost nothing but the dollars they sign for.
If you’re signing your 4C to triple what other 4C’s are making because the cap is going up, you may want to pick the bong up and stop acting like a drunk sailor.
He’s a very good PKer, has good underlying fancystats against elites, chips in way more offense than your league minimum guy.
Don’t do drugs kids, Exhibit A.
2 goals and 3 assists -5 in his last 24 games lol
Trent Frederic 3 goals 1 assist -6 in his last 28 games
Lol
It’s okay to admit you’re wrong, you know?
If he doesn’t have a NMC in there that’s a great bit of business. I’ve heard you need those clauses in place to get players to sign cheaper contracts 😉
So let me get theis straight… we got a bottom six F in Frederic who is big and fast, another potential bottom six F with size and Petr Hauser who is unsigned in Cachia and 21. While Hauser isn’t having a great year in limited games this year, he has a good history prior and may be a good find as well. Double retention on Frederic as well bringing him down to 575000 from 2.3 m . We give up St Lous’ 2nd round pick and tweo prospects in Wanner and LaChance, who were 6th and 7th round picks and thus a long shot to make the bigs in any menaingful way. While I have been cheering for them both they were still long shots especially for Wanner with his slow boots.
I don’t see why some are clutching their pearls over this deal. I propose there is even more to come in the next three days. Hold on tight!
Really it’s just one guy with 20 posts complaining about this trade.
Make it 21!
Well it’s a start. Isn’t it? There’s more to come.
I might add Frederic plays all three forward positions.
That’s a whole lot to give up for a 4C regardless of cap hit
It isn’t a 1st round pick for Paul Gaustad, but it is closer to that trade than a smart deadline move. He also hasn’t played C a ton and is pretty poor on faceoffs…
I think we got the point after your 20th comment of the day….
21st!
I always think of Coyle as a winger, not a center, so I figured Frederic was the C on that line. I was off on that one.
Ryan Holt
I’m sure Dineen will be back for tomorrow’s game for a LD.
This just in: Oilers make trades, hundreds baffled.
Per Bruce Curlock
Bruce knows his prospects.
I was really hoping Wanner would pan out, but they acquired Regula who is a better skater and player
The 2nd hurts, not many picks next draft, but it’s said to be a weaker draft
LaChance and Wanner have issues with boots, I’m not sure either have a strong NHL shot
I guess Carlo isn’t coming. Will there be more?
https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1896987091764175112
This changes my view on the trade a bit. Adds a dimension of risk and robs him of a chance to acclimate and develop chemistry. At the very least, I hope they don’t let him walk for nothing in the offseason.
Even worse would be to sign him to a 4 x $4M contract just to avoid “losing him for nothing”.
So just to confirm – the biggest piece the Oilers received in exchange for letting Broberg/Holloway walk has been parlayed into … a portion of a multi-pick/player package for Trent Frederic.
I’ll eat my crow if I get proven wrong, but this looks like a horrible move in terms of asset management.
I don’t hate the player but for what the Oilers gave up, and to max out retention when he might not even play until the playoffs, this is a horrible move.
You seem kinda upset. Maybe a nice glass of warm milk before nappies?
Lol
I’m not sure I see the connection between the offer sheets and Frederic?
The 2nd round pick the Oilers traded for Frederic was the pick they got from STL for the Broberg offer sheet.
They used the best asset they got for the offer sheets for an injured 3rd/4th liner who doesn’t PK and is a pending UFA. Not good asset management IMO
Woof. Pretty steep price for an injured 4th line winger that does not PK.
This is legitimate criticism.
YEAH BUT HE PUNCHES GUYS AND HITS. CANT WIN THE CUP WITH A BUNCH OF FIGURE SKATERS
Am I doing to you what Trent Frederic does on the ice?
We can have a discussion without yelling.
I think it’s your mustache or beard or whatever that is. I’m old and can’t see …..
🙂
Fair, I shave my sideburns though.
You do not know hockey, don’t know what else to tell you.
You can like the player without having to justify the acquisition cost to yourself. And an injured depth forward with 8 goals is not the type of “putting the team over the top” move that justifies an all-in approach to asset management, particularly when there are more pressing needs, and cheaper comparable alternatives to Frederic available
You’ve assumed alot there, including that the Oil are apparently done for the deadline, but I don’t think you have any interest in discussing in good faith. 1 year removed from a 40 point season is not the poor player you’ve framed it as in my opinion. Driving the other team to distraction has value. Sam Bennett, Tkachuk, while vastly superior players, provide value for more than straight numbers. I’m an analytics proponent. I think they bought low on Frederic and the injury concern is real and spectacular.
I think it’s go time in Oil country and players in their prime who I think can help awaken a team that needs a jolt in the bottom 6 is a good first move. Goalie and a defender on top of it would be terrific. With what assets? Very fair question.
I think a 2nd and a 4th isn’t buying low, particularly when he’s a pending UFA. I’m not opposed to adding players who contribute outside of goals and assists, but I’m opposed to overpaying when comparable players exist and can likely be had for less. I posted on another one of your posts about who else they could have traded for that I think would have been better value.
Also, opportunity cost. They now don’t have a 2nd and 4th to trade for additional players, meaning a 1st or O’Reilly likely will be out the door if they acquire a goalie, top 6 F, or top 4 D. You If they’re not done for the deadline, it will mean further depleting the team’s prospect pool/draft picks, making it more and more difficult for this team to find value contracts in the next 3-5 years to fill holes in the roster.
They could have also kept the picks and drafted good players to help in future seasons! Team’s don’t win the cup without having some under-25 players on value deals outplaying their cap hits to enable the team to use their cap $ on free agents. The Oilers have continued to deplete their prospect pipeline and unless the player coming back is the kind of “putting them over the top” acquisition, I don’t think its wise to overpay for depth pieces by giving up assets that, with good scouting and drafting, could yield a comparable if not superior player to Frederic.
Obviously there’s risk/uncertainty with draft picks as not all pan out, but the proper approach is adding picks so you have more lottery tickets, not shipping them out and hoping you hit on your 3-4 picks per year.
I’m not thrilled with the price for adding Frederick yet the team needs variance to its line up, one that is butter soft.
None of us know what additions will put the team over the top. Any move is a gamble.
None of us know who’s available, and what their costs are.
What are more pressing needs then adding speed and physicality? A top 4 RD, possibly a goalie. This move doesn’t hinder either of those possibilities.
You don’t know team sports if you don’t think that a physical player that goes looking for trouble isn’t a boost to a locker room, especially one that lacks those exact traits. This teams record when someone drops the mitts is superb, might be something to it.
My god do you even have your grade 10? How is your reading comprehension that bad.
For the umpteenth time, I am not saying “he is a bad player and his player type should never be acquired”. I’m saying “the acquisition cost was too steep and there will likely be less expensive but comparable players that move before the deadline”.
If this was for a straight up trade for a 3rd or a 4th, I’d be happy with the trade!
The types of players who cost this much at the deadline are superior players, save for a few outliers that most people acknowledge are bad trades the day they occur (gaustad for a 1st). This isn’t nearly as bad as Gaustad for a 1st, but it’s an overpay, and, and puts the team in tough spot given their limited assets.
Max Jones may have a impact. I looked into his numbers over the summer and thought he’d be a good bottom-6 option to replace some of what we lost in Foegele and Holloway. Not the skill, but Jones is pretty fast (above 80th percentile in both top speed and speed bursts) and aggressive.
He might help the condors sneak into the postseason, that’s about it
That seems like a very steep price. Way more than I would consider paying
When he bodyslams Wyatt Johnston in the conference finals you’ll come around.
Hell yeah he’ll take a bunch of penalties but it will feel good to have him punch some faces
Actually, funny thing about hockey, and something a lot of fans don’t know, is the rules for the playoffs are different.
No penalties, but lots of bodyslams and punches…
Do bodyslams/punches count as goals in the playoffs? 🙂
Nope, just goals count as goals.
Bodyslams and punches to opponents in the playoffs are still valuable however.
Yeah, but I’d take goals over punches since win by outscoring the other team last time I checked. It’s hockey, not boxing/wrestling 🙂
It will be exciting for you to watch the playoffs then.
Whole different game
If he keeps scoring at his current rate he won’t even be in the lineup.
If either of you would like to suggest something better I’m all ears.
Otherwise you can get back to your Kapanen and 2nd round pick (42 overall) effigy’s.
If Kane is back for the playoffs, the lines without frederic would have shaken out something like this:
93-97-18
33-29-22
53-19-91
28-13-90
So in essence, Frederic is an upgrade on one of Brown/Skinner/Perry/Janmark
He hasn’t played C in awhile, so likely won’t slot in there. He has less goals than Skinner and Perry, so probably not an upgrade there. He doesn’t PK, and Oilers need Janmark and/or Brown to PK, and he only has 1 more goal then Brown.
So giving up a 2nd, 4th, and Wanner (assuming Lachance wouldn’t sign) for a player who, is at best, a marginal upgrade to the forward group seems very, very unwise.
In terms of assets in versus assets out, this is likely a step backwards, not even a lateral move. I’ll keep the picks, thanks. For context, the following players were 2nd round picks the past few years: Lane Hutson, Olen Zellweger, Logan Stankooven, Mathew Knies, Brock Faber, JJ Peterka, Mason Lohrei, and Will Cuylle. You need to draft well to get these types of players, but just throwing away draft picks isn’t a smart decision.
He also is injured and potentially might not even return before the playoffs. Can’t wait to see the oilers give him a multi year deal and NMC just so they can say they kept him.
downvote all you want, doesn’t change the fact I’m right 🙂
Haven’t downvoted you once 🙂
Didn’t think it was you, why I replied to myself lol
Btw I threw out some trade suggestions I thought were better than Frederic below per your request. You don’t have to engage but wanted to let you know in case you didn’t see them.
You still haven’t engaged with the penultimate point above re: making use of your draft picks. You don’t have to engage with it, but I’ve yet to see anyone reckon with how this affects the team in the future.
When they trade for McCarron they’ll be pulling off the double powerbomb
At least McCarron can PK and win a face off. And I guarantee he won’t cost 2nd + 4th + Lachance + Wanner.
Those are some of the reasons why I champion a McCarron addition
Chris Johnston saying there is no indication that Frederick will be healthy to play before the playoffs so he may stay on LTIR for the season.
I don’t see than given what the Oilers paid for double retention.
Why not set some draft picks on fire, we have plenty of them and no one good every gets drafted in the 2nd or 4th round anyways
Don’t mind the trade, like Frederic the player and what he will add, but someone should let Bowman know that the 25% tariffs don’t apply to trades with American NHL teams.
Oilers have also acquired Petr Hauser as part of the BOS/NJ deal.
21 yo, 6’4″, 200+ lb. RW playing in Czechia.
He’s the same shape as Lachance i suppose?
Large man shaped?
What a bonkers day. Goilers!
Wanner and LaChance – wow.
My presumption is they didn’t think they could get LaChance signed.
Wanner had a regression year (being hurt for the last 30 games didn’t help) but was still a solid prospect.
Better get Frederick re-signed for a reasonable extension.
Is he not hurt as well? Is he a unrestricted free agent? What would a reasonable contract be as obviously they targeted him for more than this year?
Frederick at least checks a few boxes:
Fills a hole at 4C
Size and physicality
Can add scoring to the bottom 6
Along with Kane the Oilers will be much tougher in the playoffs.
Frederick is a major upgrade over Ryan / Kapanen who he replaces.
Does Frederic PK?
No.
Frederic rarely plays center, and has a 43% face off win rate. He doesn’t add scoring either, his 1.03 P/60 ranks 16th among Oilers forwards (only Derek Ryan’s 1.02 is worse).
Can’t believe Bowman gave up 4 assets for this guy. This is Chiarelli level stuff.
I don’t think he was acquired to play 4C. His faceoff totals don’t suggest he’s a likely candidate there.
I think he’s being brought in to test drive alongside one of the duo and, failing that, bring some fire to the 3rd line. After seeing how Podkolzin complemented McDrai but lacked finish, they’ve gone out and found a better version. Hope it works out!
a 2nd/4th plus some prospects for a 4C who is truculent and has 8 goals?
Oilers will surely win the cup now
The shocking thing about this is the trade was completed before LT went on the air!!
@frank_seravalli
Trade details:
To Oilers
C Trent Frederic
F Max Jones
To Bruins
2025 STL 2nd Rd Pick
2026 EDM 4th Rd Pick
D Max Wanner
To Devils
Rights to Shane LaChance
(From EDM for retaining 50% on Frederic)
Now that’s tidy. Liked Lachance but those BU guys are hard to sign. Wanner didn’t have the boots, Broberg turns into Frederic for 25% and Jones.
why for 25%? Did Boston also retain?
Ya I’m wrong. Still tidy. Frederic’s full LTIR is available I think at 50% the cost since he’s hurt. Might not play till playoffs which is a huge risk.
I think you did have it right originally. According to the NHLs press release:
Frederic traded from Boston to NJ, retained 50%
Frederic traded from NJ to Edmonton, retained 50%
Thanks. Seravalli’s tweet didn’t have it so it was a fair point. Even better!
Yikes. Is Holland still at the helm?
I get the need for functional toughness, but do Frederic (currently week-to-week with UBI) and Jones move the needle that much?
I’m not surprised Lachance was dealt–maybe he pulled a Marino and intimated he wouldn’t sign with EDM–but that seems like a dear price to deal two picks and two prospects for two bottom-sixers, only one with term.
I assume with Wanner being dealt that Akey is safe, being the lone RHD prospect of note ATM.
Right now, Oilers won’t be picking till round 3 this year.
NAmateurs now number a dozen.
I would hope the Oilers get aggressive in signing CHL/NCAA/Euro FA’s now.
Everything must go! Tampa traded an entire draft for Tanner Jeannot.
Oil fans will love this player. Every blue collar hockey fan will adore his game. The players will likely love him too. The bar is Janmark, Brown, Kap in the bottom 6. He will clear that, even if he’s underperforming.
Someone to fight the Kolesars of the world goes a long way in the dressing room.
giving up the best asset the Oilers received in exchange for the Brolloway offer sheets for a guy who’s biggest positive is “the mouthbreathers will love him and he’s down to facepunch”
Nice!
Please provide your much better trade proposal. All complaints will be pushed into the feedback bin connected to the shredder.
You do realize the Oilers could’ve kept the picks, right? It’s not like they would have lost the draft picks if they didn’t trade them? Most good teams actually keep their picks and use them to draft players, some of whom actually turn into NHLers who they get to keep on value contracts!
But throwing out some alternatives: a 2nd and a 4th for Donato or Reilly Smith (likely an overpay, but not as much as Frederic!), a 5th for McCarron, a 4th for Brazeau, a 3rd for Greenway, a 3rd and a 4th for Connor Murphy
Pretender you asked for alternatives, here you go. You don’t have to engage with me, but you asked for alternatives and I provided 🙂
Those are solid, assuming that was the asset cost for the players. I like the guy who has scored 40 points on contenders and drives teams to distraction and isn’t over the hill ala Lucic and Kassian (commensurate to cap hit). We don’t have to agree.
Knowing the Oil history, that 2nd will be Lane Hutson again because Oilers.
To be clear, I like “guy who scores 40 points and is a crap-disturber” too! I don’t disagree that adding such a player would be helpful.
I’m just saying (1) the Lucic/Kassian/Bennett types can play with skill and Frederic probably won’t (although frankly, I’d like to see him at 1LW with 97 and 18 to see if there’s any chem), (2) it’s a steep acquisition cost for a player who hurt/pending UFA, so there’s a lot of risk, (3) the move depletes the Oilers picks they have to make other moves/draft players for the future, and the oilers prospect/draft pick cupboard is sparse as-is, and (4) given (1)-(3), and the other players available, this was not good a good use of assets.
I hope Frederic goes on heater, scores 15 goals in the playoffs and they win the cup. I just don’t think it happens, and that he probably signs with a U.S. team next year (he’s American and not many of them like playing outside of their home country, given the chance to do so).
Trent Frederic – centre
2022-2023 17 goals 31 points
2023-2024 18 goals 40 points
2024-2025 8 goals 15 points (on pace for 11-12 goals)
Average corsi, mostly defensive zone starts.
Max Jones- depth throw in
Damn that’s a lot for an underperforming bottom-6 winger rental!
I’m just happy we didn’t bring in a grinder who’s over 30.
Why? Because a 27 year old grinder in the midst of a poor year who is currently injured is any smarter? For 4 assets out?
Weak draft, a 4th in 2026, Shane Lachance who we hope would be a Trent Frederic power forward type (he could even be a Boat!) and Max Wanner who has had a poor year too (and was a 7th rounder). 75% retained. I believe it is smarter, yes.
All of Boston is in a down year but the bar was Janmark, Brown, Podz, and Kapanen who have a combined 21 goals this year. This is an upgrade. I welcome a better, available choice from your end. Or we could sit on our hands?
I can’t wait to see him and Kane go toe to toe with anyone in Vegas’ bottom 6, or Florida.
a 2nd and a 4th is a lot to “upgrade” the bottom 6. Sitting on your hands is probably the better move since you keep your draft picks. Or you can just acquire an older rental who costs less and fills the same niche.
Even if it’s a weak draft, that generally applies to the top end and you can find value in later rounds in every draft.
This is horrible asset management
a grinder over 30 wouldn’t have cost a 2nd and a 4th, so I disagree lol
That’s … horrible.
Tyler Toffoli fetched a 2nd and a 3rd last year (had 26 goals at the time). We gave up about the same in terms of value (if not more) for 15 points of truculence and an AHLer.
Yay bleeding more draft picks for underwhelming truculent rentals
How did that Toffoli trade work out?
That Jets run last year can be best classified as a 5 game sweep.
Ah yes, Tyler Toffoli scoring 2 goals in 5 gaves was clearly the cause of that early round exit, and not Hellebucyk posting a .864 save percentage.
An INJURED underwhelming truculent rental.
My goodness, if Bowman turns around and pays someone to take Evander Kane I’m done.
Max Jones to the Oilers. (Who is this?)
A 27 year old tweener. He has played 38 games in the AHL this season and 7 in the NHL (0 points). Left shot LW.
Trent Frederic to the Oil!
This guy looks ok. Anyone have anything to say about this guy? I am sorry that I will not hear any more Tarkus updates on LaChance though!
He’s having a down year but both his underlying defensive numbers and his scoring numbers were strong the past two years. More than I’d pay for a guy that’s struggling, but he’s pretty much the embodiment of the player that teams pay a lot for at the deadline.
https://x.com/JFreshHockey/status/1896984246952321353
https://x.com/RonoAnalyst/status/1896985823901536506
He’ll be a hit with the cromagnon section of the Oilers fan base, and has as many goals as Adam Henrique.
woohoo
Listen. The Oilers are not winning as they are presently built. Not getting tougher and they will be an easy out. The price might be more than liking but the direction is 100% clear.
so why not trade a 5th for McCarron? You do know there are other players available and they didn’t have to trade for this guy?
“Listen – the oilers were one of the best teams in the league this year but went on a five game losing streak recently, so that small recent sample size DEFINTIELY means the previous 55 games didn’t mean anything. Even though they made it to SCF G7 last year, they clearly couldn’t do it with the same core pieces this year. They might have overpaid horribly given that other physical depth forwards were available, but they needed to add this particular player even though he’s injured, has 8 goals, doesn’t PK, and is a better fit as a winger not a C. If we just close our eyes and ignore what they gave up, the trade doesn’t look so bad”
lol
Any news on the starter tonight? Could Pickard be relieved of his well earned start because of a upcoming trade involving himself.
The Oilers roster/asset management over the last 36 months has been very poor, with Holland’s trade for Ekholm and standing out as the lone major bright spot:
The only thing that’s encouraging is that Stan hasn’t done anything substantial … so far.
The Oilers really do not seem like a well-run organization, and I worry that a ton of pressure to get back to the SCF forces an in-season move that mortgages more of the future for a shot at glory this year.
The more I think about it, the more I would be fine (if not would welcome) a trade deadline where the Oilers stand pat, and keep their powder dry for next year.
… add the Frederic trade to the list.
Trent Frederic has now become the centerpiece of the Brolloway offer sheet compensation package.
Per Tony B:
RDM lineup notes:
• Pickard is tonight’s starter vs. ANA
• Matt Savoie comes in for Jeff Skinner
• Knoblauch expects Ekholm, Kulak & Nurse to be in the lineup. Cam Dineen was called up yesterday on emergency basis but all regular defencemen appear good to go
Coach said it’s more about rewarding the backup for strong play than a slight on Stu.
Sounds like it will be Arvy and Savoie with Drai.
It’s time Viktor!
Podz should be with Savoie & Draisaitl. Not Arvidsson.
Management has no desire for the difficulties that would come if Gibson out duels Skinner.
Pickard knew he was starting this game in early February.
I would believe that to be a complete non-factor, even if Gibson was starting, which is unlikely.
Still working on Jeff Skinner to raise anchor.
Laing is reporting that Skinner is part of the 4th line, along with Kapanen & Perry.
Not what coach said in his verbal this morning.
Laing’s piece was based on practice yesterday, not the coach’s words this morning.
Thanks.
Doesn’t Skinner play LW? And Savoie RW? Not sure why the coach can’t get both of them onto the same lineup card.
Coach did say a few weeks back that he’s like Arvidsson better on his off wing (LW).
For me, Kapanen would be scratched, not Skinner – I guess we need his center pedigree…….
Yeah I can’t understand why Skinner keeps being pulled out of the line-up. The team has struggled to score goals, and Skinner started looking like he found his game right before the 4N.
I just can’t wait for this TDL business to be over, so I can exhale.
They missed the boat selling high on Hyman, does he have a NMC? Are the Islanders aware it’s not last season yet?
Skinner gets front row seats watching the two fellas that want his job.
5-3 Oilers, Pickard with the ENG.
A wise man once said: Find good players, keep good players.
Selling high on Hyman suggests that we would be able to see a near future decline that others were not able to see. Selling high, buying low as a way to gain advantage happens less when everyone does their homework more (ie in the current era).
That said, while I think Hyman had a career year last year, I think he is still a very good player, well worth his contract. Especially in the growing cap era.
Oilers need cap space, have to add assets to move out NMC’s.
Hyman is 32, very good player that should fetch a healthy return if in the least cap space that the Oilers so desperately need. He’ll be earning 5.5 per season on a M-NTC to put up middling numbers while riding shot gun to the best player in the game until he’s 36.
Find more good players, move on from some as they age out in order to bring in more good players.
That’s a move for summer of next year when it becomes a M-NTC. It is full right now and the player is still effective. Expecting career highs as the norm is a great way to get angry at effective hockey players.
I’m not expecting anything, I’m just suggesting Hyman could be moved to find cap space.
I’m not angry at Hyman, it’s hilarious to see the assumptions.
Wasn’t saying it was a bad idea. If they could swap him for a younger cost controlled player who scores (Peterka?) I’d be all for it. I think he’s in his Ceci stage for this year (and probably next) where the core would hate it. Bowman shouldn’t care about that but chemistry is important and Hyman has proved that and is still a very good player.
I just think that his 5.5 contract is fit to be fine as he ages along a growing cap.
But, I can see the wisdom in what you are trying to say. I still like him here though.
I don’t know that Oilers missed the boat. Not long ago he was the best value player in the league. He was always going to average out. Hes still good value and I have my doubts Oil could replace him at that contract.
Not long ago was also within the last year where he scored 16 goals in the playoffs, more than anyone else in decades (after scoring 54 in the regular season).
It’s interesting how hard our perspectives swing over a few weeks or a few months. The trade deadline really brings that into focus. Oilers were the best team in the NHL for three months. A few rough outings later, there is a lot of panic in the air. My optimistic side tells me that McD, Bouch and others who are below expected levels will bounce back and crush it by or before playoff time. That same optimistic fellow tells me that Jackson’s signings might be redeemed through the spring. On the other hand, when Elliot Friedman notes the Oilers two big needs are a D man that can play both sides and a forward with size and speed, I can’t help but sigh a long sigh. Player cards up at the Athletic have Bro and Holloway’s value at over $7m each (compared with cap hits of 4+ and 2). Now we are thinking about trading picks to offload players to create cap space to try to replace those guys. Tough pill to swallow. Nonetheless, this is a damn good team with solid odds to win it all. Here comes the cup baby, roster warts be damned!!
At the same time Connor Mcdavid is confident Oiler management will get some added reinforcements at the TDL.
And sigh.
Are those….. geese?
Yes. They are more threatening than Ducks. I wanted an edgier photo. 🙂
The boost this team needs is McDavid and Bouchard returning to historical levels of play. Without that, this team cannot make a run.
Ekholm, Hyman and Nuge – need all three of them to get back to recent levels as well.
Dineen has been a very good Condor. Arguably their best dman last year (paired mainly with Wanner). This year I would say Carrick has been better (and Kemp always a material player – every game) but I think they wanted the leftie given the players at risk of not playing.
Control the game from start to finish.
Execute on chances early, build a 2-3 goal lead, roll the lines and keep structure, McDavid/Drai with 2-3 points each, milk 2 points.
Trigger warning for anti-vaxxers
Why are the Oilers/hockey teams constantly ravaged by the flu? Are players not getting flu shots/ c$&@d boosters??
Its seems like every year the Oilers are wrecked by illness for a month or two.
What on earth are you talking about.
Professional athletes are known to be the second biggest market for seasonal flu shots next to dear Old Granny, unless they happen to be science deny Edmonton Oilers lol
I remember one year there was a shortage of flu shots and the Flames players cut the line in front of some dear old Grannies and they unfortunately succumbed to the flu while the flames missed the playoffs by 2 points …
That was the H5N1 (or something like that) virus, not the seasonal flu virus.
What??
Anti-vaxxer? That’s a pejorative term that, if one keeps a list of off-limits words for their website, should be near the top.
Besides that, your “arguments” aren’t nearly as dispositive as you seem to think they are.
Anti-Vaxxer is only a pejorative term to someone who finds it offensive. As someone who is in the medical field, there are people who broadly oppose all vaccinations as part of a belief system. They’d probably gladly self identify as such.
that being said… of the 2 annual vaccines that protect against communicable viral infections (COVID, influenza), neither are perfect by any means. And there are many other viruses circulating. So it’s not fair to assume that players have been declining vaccines because illnesses have been going around dressing rooms
If I recall (and am open to being corrected by the healthcare professionals who frequent this site), the flu shots only cover the strains that are most likely to infect a population that season, based on data from many areas that were infected by the strains.
That doesn’t mean the flu shot will protect them against all strains though, and hockey players play a sport that requires them to get very close to many people. Plus they are constantly travelling to different cities for most of the year which means lots of exposure to various strains. And it’s flu season where the flu peaks between December and February because that’s typically when it’s coldest, and people are confined indoors with eachother, especially hockey players who can only play in enclosed arenas.
Oilers, yes.
Every other team as well, yes.
Maintaining high Vitamin D3 levels in the blood is better than the seasonal flu virus. Less sun in winter to keep D3 levels in the blood high enough to ward off flu.
I believe that the 2025 2nd round pick has more value than just another early-mid pick. If STL wants to go mid-range offer sheet hunting this off season, then they need that pick.
Do not trade the pick unless you do a 3-team trade with STL retaining 50% of contract for the player the Oilers are getting.
If any team is going to offer sheet a player this summer, it will be after July 1 which means fhe 2025 draft picks will have already been made. Compensation for offer sheets will be 2026 picks.
Why on earth does Skinner take precedence over Pickard when Skinner constantly screws up entire games with his pathetic play?
Pickard strikes me as a superior goalie.
Could there be less pressure on Pickard. He just comes in every third game and does his best as a backup. Skinner on the other hand has more pressure, greater expectations to perform as a starter and is more under the magnifying glass. I’m not sure how Pickard would handle that, might be too risky to find out.
Pickard has been playing career best hockey as an Oiler, tie that with this being his near last chance as a player on a NHL roster there’s alot of pressure on Pickard simply for his own career. The road is running out, the competition is building and the pressure is mounting.
Both goalies have their own pressure points to deal with.
If the pressure is too much to perform for Skinner I suggest he recalibrates his aim to be a backup in a quiet non traditional hockey market.
Well, he looks awfully comfortable playing as Skinner’s backup. I wonder how things might look if the roles were reversed. Skinner is a young NHL starting goaltender, and Pickard is an older journeyman professional goaltender. There’s a difference.
Dude wins game 7 on the road against Van, outduels Oettinger, including a double OT game, 2 goals in game 5 and game 6. Game 6 where the Oil had basically 2 shots on net. Helps drag the boys to game 7 in the final including playing out of his mind in game 5 and he’s pathetic.
I’m thinking the poster may be speaking about themself with that hyperbole.
In games 4-7 last year (all rounds) Skinner posted a 10-1 record and a 1.55 GAA.
Pretty crazy how quick some fans are to throw good players out with the trash. Bouchard set an all-time NHL record just 9 months ago and some would discard him like an old shoe too.
Never said get rid of him.
Merely said go to the goalie with the hot hand.
No, you certainly did not. What you actually said was:
Your grandmother used to be a hottie, but that doesn’t really mean anything much these days does it?
Now that’s funny. What has Grandma done for the Oil lately?
I know I’ve been disagreeing with this guy, but there’s no need to bring Grandma into this.
Hunter1909 doesn’t know puck if he’s saying “ride pickard to stanley”
Some cheaper depth pieces worth considering:
Oskar Sundqvist
Ryan Suter
Maybe STL wants their draft picks back and a deal can be struck.
Matias Macceli (Utah) is 24, has one more year left at $3.425M, and had 49 and 51 points the past two seasons before dropping off to 52, 8-10-18 this year. If you can swing a 3 way trade with double retention, his cap hit drops to less than $1M.
Seems medium-risk/high-reward – maybe he’s another Yamamoto or maybe he can find chem with one of 97 or 29