Trent Frederic joins the Edmonton Oilers’ top line alongside stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl for the 2025-26 NHL season. This placement marks Frederic’s first official game as a right winger with the Oilers in their season opener against the Calgary Flames.
Frederic’s Journey to Edmonton
The 27-year-old American forward joined the Oilers last season after a trade from the Boston Bruins. During the Oilers’ playoff run, he contributed one goal and three assists across 22 games, helping the team reach the Stanley Cup Final. In June, Frederic signed a substantial eight-year contract worth $30.8 million with Edmonton.
Oilers’ Projected Lineup
With Frederic lining up next to McDavid and Draisaitl, the Oilers hope to maximize offensive output. The projected lineup for the opening game against the Flames is:
- Draisaitl – McDavid – Frederic
- Mangiapane – RNH – Savoie
- Podkolzin – Philp – Kapanen
- Howard – Henrique – Tomasek
Mangiapane Makes His Debut
Another significant addition, forward Andrew Mangiapane, will also make his debut with the Oilers after signing a two-year, $7.2 million contract this summer. He is set to play on the second line in the opener.
Injury Update
Forward Zach Hyman has resumed skating with the team but is not expected to return to gameplay soon due to a wrist injury sustained in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Ottawa Senators are managing injury setbacks for Drake Batherson and Tyler Kleven, both of whom are on injured reserve.
Offseason Moves Across the League
As the NHL season begins, teams are making final adjustments. The Toronto Maple Leafs, preparing to host the Montreal Canadiens, announced that top prospect Easton Cowan will be a healthy scratch for their opening night.
Other Notable Roster Changes
Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakov will not be part of the opening night lineup against the Nashville Predators, while Anaheim Ducks’ Ryan Strome will miss the season opener due to an upper-body injury. The Vegas Golden Knights are optimistic about Pavel Dorofeyev’s participation after overcoming a lower-body issue.
The 2025-26 NHL season promises to bring exciting matchups and developments, starting with Frederic’s debut on Edmonton’s high-powered offense.
