After a humiliating 9–1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers forward Trent Frederic had the chance to show some fire. Instead, he delivered an explanation that left fans shaking their heads.
Known for his size and edge, Frederic was expected to bring toughness to an Oilers lineup this season and for seven more beyond it. If there was ever an excuse to start throwing his weight around, Saturday night was the time and place. The Oilers were being completely outclassed by Colorado’s speed and skill. But when the game begged for pushback, Frederic was nowhere to be found — and his postgame comments only made things worse.
“I’m trying to check my way out of it,” Frederic said. “The fighting stuff comes. You can only ask so many guys when you have one goal in 15 games — no one is going to fight you. Who wants to fight a guy who has one goal in 15 games? I wouldn’t.”
Is Frederic Suggesting He Can’t Find A Fight in the NHL?
The response didn’t land well. For a player signed to an eight-year extension, fans expected accountability, not excuses. Fighting in the NHL isn’t what it used to be. That said, the few fighters who still enjoy that part of the game don’t need permission slips to drop the gloves. And if opponents truly won’t drop the gloves, that doesn’t stop a power forward from finishing checks, scrumming after whistles, or setting a tone.
Trent Frederic Oilers vs Kings
If someone won’t fight you, make life difficult for their best players, or get in the goalie’s kitchen. On Saturday, in another game held just before the Oilers vs. Avs, Bobby McMann took on Nikita Zadorov, despite being 5 inches shorter and a good 30 lbs lighter. In other words, there’s no excuse, especially when that’s one of the reasons you were given an eight-year deal.
Frederic’s belief that no one wants to fight a guy with only one goal in 15 games is a bad sign. If this is his idea of physical leadership, one could argue the Oilers just threw away $30 million.
Next: Did Oilers Hit ‘Rock Bottom’ in Crushing 9–1 Reality Check vs Avs?
