New Oilers Lines With Trent Frederic
Trent Frederic vs. Corey Perry (Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)EDMONTON – Hockey is a team game.
It’s very tough to go far in the NHL if you only have one player driving the bus.
Luckily for the Edmonton Oilers, they have many players who can step up with their superstars Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid on the shelf. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jeff Skinner, and Calvin Pickard have all elevated their game at this crucial juncture of the year.
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The Oilers also have the luxury of having several players injured who have not played yet for the team this year. Evander Kane and Trent Frederic are two such players.
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If there are any conclusions to draw from Friday’s practice, it’s that Frederic is ready to rock and roll.
Leon Draisaitl left Thursday night’s game against the San Jose Sharks in the second period with an injury. He is absent from Friday’s practice. As a result of this and Frederic jumping into the lineup, the forward lines are all mixed up.
Podkolzin, Nugent-Hopkins, & Arvidsson
Nugent-Hopkins assumes Draisaitl’s position being flanked by Viktor Arvidsson and Vasily Podkolzin. With the “German Gretzky” out, Nugent-Hopkins is the natural replacement for first line center.
This trio saw time together before Draisaitl came back from his last injury. Reuniting them makes sense on several levels, so no surprises here.
Frederic, Henrique, & Hyman
This is where the spicy meatball comes in. Frederic was on a line with Adam Henrique and Zach Hyman.
One of the great things about Frederic is his versatility. He was acquired primarily to be additional depth in the bottom-six. Now, he’s getting an opportunity to shine in the top six.
There might be no better time for Frederic to make his mark than right now. After all, you only get one first impression.
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