Based on the Oilers’ Tuesday morning skate, it looks like Trent Frederic is headed right back into the lineup — and it’s a move that feels faster than expected. It’s especially odd, given that head coach Kris Knoblauch made it seem like Frederic’s sitting wasn’t a one-time deal.
After sitting just one game as a healthy scratch, Frederic appears set to draw back in as the Oilers take on the Calgary Flames in their final game before the holiday break. The projected forward groups had Frederic skating on the fourth line with Max Jones and Mattias Janmark, while Lazar and David Tomasek were listed as extras. That’s a quick turnaround considering how head coach Kris Knoblauch framed Frederic’s absence only days ago.
Knoblauch was clear when Frederic was scratched that the decision was a “reset,” not a punishment. He described it as a necessary break to help the forward rediscover his game and regain confidence — something that usually implies more than one night in the press box. In fact, Knoblauch openly suggested Frederic could be out for a few games, stressing the importance of time and space rather than an immediate return.
“I’m not sure he comes in next game,” Knoblauch said at the time, emphasizing that the winger needed a pause to find his footing before coming back and contributing in a meaningful way.
Trent Frederic is back in the lineup for the Edmonton Oilers
That’s what makes this decision a bit surprising. One healthy scratch doesn’t exactly qualify as a reset, especially when the coach acknowledged that confidence — not effort — appears to be the issue.
Why Are the Oilers Rushing Frederic Back In?
If Frederic truly needed a mental and physical breather, rushing him back into the lineup risks undoing the very purpose of sitting him in the first place. One has to wonder whether he got the message rather quickly and whether a conversation was had that made the coach feel that Frederic would respond. Or, Frederic didn’t take it well at all.
Frederic said after the morning skate, “Use it as a restart, start my season today.”
The Oilers clearly believe Frederic has more to give, and Knoblauch has repeatedly said he’ll be an important piece moving forward. The hope now is that even a brief reset was enough — because bringing him back this quickly suggests Edmonton is ready to find out.
Connor Ingram is also getting the start for the Oilers, playing his second game since his call-up.
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