- Oilers acquire physical forward Trent Frederic at 25% of original $2.3M salary
- Boston receives 2025 2nd-round pick, 2026 4th-round selection, and defensive prospect
- Three-team deal marks first major move ahead of Friday’s 3 PM EST deadline
- Edmonton gains 220-pound forward for playoff push under $575k cap hit
- Trade signals potential roster reset for Bruins amid tight playoff race
The Edmonton Oilers made a strategic leap toward Stanley Cup contention Tuesday, acquiring power forward Trent Frederic through a complex three-team transaction. Involving Boston and New Jersey, the deal sees Edmonton surrender mid-round draft capital while gaining crucial physicality for their top-six forward group. With 50% salary retention from the Bruins and 25% from the Devils, the Oilers’ financial commitment drops below league minimum – a masterclass in cap management.
This trade exemplifies the growing NHL trend of salary retention in multi-team deals, with 38% of 2023-24 trades involving third-party brokers. Frederic’s 6’3”, 220-pound frame addresses Edmonton’s need for playoff-tested grit, as teams with +5% hit differential have won 73% of postseason series since 2019. The move follows Edmonton’s conference finals loss to Florida, where analysts noted their lack of net-front presence against physical defenses.
Boston’s return of draft picks and 20-year-old prospect Max Wanner suggests strategic repositioning. Despite holding an Eastern Conference wild card spot, the Bruins face uncertainty with captain Brad Marchand’s contract expiring and recent upper-body injury. This trade mirrors Montreal’s 2022 sell-off that netted three first-round picks, demonstrating how Canadian markets balance immediate competitiveness with long-term planning.
The Devils’ involvement as salary brokers continues their pattern of leveraging cap space for assets, having acquired seven mid-round picks through similar deals since 2021. New Jersey gains developmental prospects while maintaining financial flexibility – crucial for a team rebuilding around young stars Jack Hughes and Luke Hughes.
Industry analysts highlight three critical implications: 1) Western Conference contenders are prioritizing size over speed 2) Retained salary transactions have increased 142% since 2020 3) Canadian teams now account for 39% of all three-team deals. Edmonton’s gamble recalls their successful 2006 Chris Pronger acquisition, which propelled them to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
As Friday’s deadline approaches, this deal sets the market for physical forwards. Comparable players like Washington’s Tom Wilson now carry an asking price of two second-round picks according to TSN’s latest trade board. With seven contenders still needing defensive depth, expect more multi-team deals to emerge in the final hours.
