The Edmonton Oilers, last season’s Western Conference finalists, took a significant step in preparation for the NHL trade deadline by securing the acquisition of Trent Frederic, a formidable forward from the Boston Bruins, on Tuesday.
In exchange for the 6-foot-3, 220-pound Frederic, Edmonton traded their 2025 second-round pick, a 2026 fourth-round pick, and prospect Max Wanner to Boston. Additionally, the New Jersey Devils agreed to retain half of Frederic’s $2.3 million salary. To balance the trade, the Devils received rights to unsigned draft pick Shane Lachance from the Oilers and Petr Hauser from the Bruins.
This trade marks the Boston Bruins’ initial steps in their trade strategy, as they compete for one of the remaining playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. Bruins’ captain Brad Marchand, who is also facing free agency, expressed a desire to remain with Boston throughout his career. However, Marchand is currently injured and listed as week-to-week.
For the Edmonton Oilers, acquiring 27-year-old Frederic presents an opportunity to inject additional toughness into the team, aimed at bolstering the capabilities of star players such as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, as they strategize for another deep playoff campaign. Last year, the Oilers reached Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final before falling to the Florida Panthers. As part of this trade, the Oilers also secured depth forward Max Jones.
With the NHL trade deadline set for Friday at 3 p.m. EST, another notable development is Jake Evans committing his future to the Montreal Canadiens by signing a four-year, $11.4 million contract extension, ensuring his continuity with the team beyond this season.
