Boston Bruins trade looks like a steal for Don Sweeney and the organization

Last season's deadline deal that sent Trent Frederic to the Edmonton Oilers drew mixed reactions.

Frederic had produced 15 points in Boston the year prior, and many fans wondered whether the Bruins were selling low.

But the return of Max Wanner plus a 2025 second and 2026 fourth looked like smart asset management if Frederic failed to build on that momentum.

Two months into his massive new contract with Edmonton, the results are brutal.

Frederic signed an eight year extension at $3.85 million per season, a stunning commitment for a middle six forward whose production had always run hot and cold. That gamble has quickly backfired.

Through 28 games this season, Frederic has only two goals and 1 assist, and has dragged down almost every line he plays on.

He still throws hits, logging 68 so far, but the rest of his impact has evaporated. For a player counted on to bring energy, secondary offense and matchup reliability, the drop off is sharp.

Frederic's full Oilers sample paints an even tougher picture. Across 51 games with Edmonton, including playoffs, he has just three goals and three assists. Knowing those numbers, it is hard to understand why the Oilers felt comfortable locking him in for eight more years.

To be fair, Edmonton can point to last season's high ankle sprain as a possible explanation. That injury is notorious for lingering effects, sometimes for a full season. If Frederic is still battling through it, improvement could come.

But even with that context, his lack of impact has become a real concern for the Oilers and their fans.

Even if the prospect doesn't pan out for the Bruins, getting rid of Frederic's contract alone was a big success by Don Sweeney.