NHL Trade Deadline Grades: Edmonton Oilers

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Edmonton Oilers left wing Zach Hyman (18) celebrates his goal with teammates during the second period in game six of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. Sergei Belski/USA Today Sports/Reuters

The Edmonton Oilers made some solid additions at the NHL Trade Deadline but stopped short of making a blockbuster move. General manager Stan Bowman brought in defenseman Jake Walman and forwards Trent Frederic and Max Jones, addressing key areas of need. While these moves improve the roster, the Oilers fell short of adding a top-six forward or goaltending help, leaving questions about whether they did enough to contend.

What the Oilers Gave Up:

  • Carl Berglund – A 25-year-old AHL forward with limited NHL upside.
  • Max Wanner – A promising defensive prospect.
  • Shane Lachance – A depth forward prospect.
  • 2025 Second-Round Pick – Sent to Boston in the Frederic trade.
  • 2026 Fourth-Round Pick – Additional compensation for Frederic and Jones.
  • Conditional 2026 First-Round Pick – Sent to San Jose in the Walman deal.

What the Oilers Acquired:

  • Jake Walman (D) – A puck-moving defenseman with offensive upside.
  • Trent Frederic (F) – A big, physical forward who adds grit and versatility.
  • Max Jones (F) – A depth forward who provides size and energy.

Edmonton’s newly-acquired Max Jones defends the puck from a Dallas Stars defender | Photo credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

The Verdict:

Walman is the standout addition. His ability to move the puck and contribute offensively makes him a strong fit in Edmonton’s system. He’s not a shutdown defenseman, but his skating and transition play should help the Oilers avoid getting hemmed in against forechecking teams.

Defenceman Jake Walman, pictured with the San Jose Sharks, plays against the Nashville Predators during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (Mark Humphrey/AP)

Frederic is another solid pickup. He plays a heavy game, leads the Oilers in hits, and can chip in offensively. His numbers are down this year, but if he rediscovers his scoring touch, he could be a key piece in the bottom six. Jones is more of a depth addition but has already impressed with his energy and forechecking.

However, the Oilers failed to land a top-six winger or goaltending help—two areas that could haunt them come playoff time. They reportedly pursued Mikko Rantanen and Rickard Rakell but couldn’t get a deal done. The team also didn’t find a fourth-line center, though internal options exist.

Ultimately, the Oilers improved, but not as much as they could have. Given how aggressive teams like the Stars and Avalanche were, Edmonton’s relatively modest approach may not be enough.

Final Grade: C+ – A solid but unspectacular deadline that leaves the Oilers with lingering questions.

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