Oilers with max-term contract offer less than 24 hours after losing the Stanley Cup

The Edmonton Oilers were eliminated from the Stanley Cup Final less than 24 hours ago, but this is reportedly not stopping them from getting some business done.

According to insider Andy Strickland, forward Trent Frederic and Edmonton are closing in on an extension which is believed to be an 8 year deal in the range of $4 million per season.

The Oilers have a lot of work to get done this offseason, and at the top of the list will be new contract extensions for Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard, who are eligible for new deals once free agency opens.

However, general manager Stan Bowman is apparently kicking off his summer with the signing of Frederic, who had just four playoff points and only appearing in a single regular-season game with the club.

That’s a bold move…

Frederic recorded 18 goals and 40 points with the Boston Bruins in 2023-24 and had eight goals and 15 points in 57 games this season before getting injured and finally traded out to Edmonton.

There is a chance that, following this max term contract, Frederic returns to his fullest potential, but I have to say that the length of the contract has me wondering if Bowman is making the right call. Frederic’s current contract carries a $2.3 million cap hit, and there was the expectation of a raise. But that much term… I don’t think anyone expected it.

NHL free agency set to open in less than two weeks on July 1.