NHL trade news: Edmonton Oilers offer max-term deal to Trent Frederic just hours after Stanley Cup loss

After losing Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, most teams would take a breath before launching into contract talks. But Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman appears to be wasting no time. Reports now confirm that the team is working on a max-term eight-year deal with forward Trent Frederic, a move that’s catching many off guard.Frederic, who was acquired mid-season from the Boston Bruins, played a minor role in the Oilers' postseason, notching only four points. He appeared in just one regular-season game after arriving in Edmonton. Despite his limited involvement, Bowman is clearly banking on Frederic's upside and long-term value.In 2023–24 with the Boston Bruins, Trent Frederic had a breakout campaign, scoring 18 goals and tallying 40 points across 79 games. Before his injury this season, he managed eight goals and 15 points in 57 games. Those numbers aren’t elite, but they are steady for a middle-six forward.Edmonton likely sees Frederic as a valuable depth piece, someone who can be a physical presence and offer secondary scoring. However, critics argue the contract term is a risky gamble, especially since Frederic hasn’t had the opportunity to showcase himself in a playoff setting consistently.While the Trent Frederic deal is making headlines, it’s not the main storyline fans were expecting to hear after the Stanley Cup Final. The real spotlight is on superstars Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard, both of whom become eligible for contract extensions when NHL free agency begins on July 1.McDavid, widely considered the best player in the world, has two years remaining on his deal, but locking him in long-term will be Edmonton’s biggest challenge. Bouchard, meanwhile, emerged as a defensive powerhouse this postseason and is due for a significant raise as well.Read more: NHL trade rumor: Don Cherry fuels spicy Brad Marchand conspiracy with wild Bruins return claim after Panthers Cup winThe NHL offseason is officially underway, and Edmonton is wasting no time making headlines.