Despite the fact that the Oilers have just acquired Trent Frederic, he is still two to three weeks away from making his debut as he deals with an injury. <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl/trades/edmonton-oilers-have-made-a-major-trade-with-the-boston-bruins' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>The Edmonton Oilers made their first trade deadline deal</a> by acquiring injured Boston Bruins winger Trent Frederic. Fortunately, he's not going to be out as long as initially thought. The Oilers got Frederic and Max Jones in a three-team deal with the Bruins and Devils after being rumored to be in the market for a tough, versatile player. Earlier reports from NHL insider <a href='https://x.com/reporterchris' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Chris Johnston</a> suggested Frederic's injury might sideline him for the season. That would have been a scenario where Edmonton could have placed him on LTIR, creating cap space. At this point, there's no indication if he'll be healthy enough to play before the playoffs. - Chris Johnston <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/reporterchris/status/1896987091764175112'> </a></blockquote></div> With double retention, however, his cap hit is just $575K, raising the question of why the Oilers would be paying for retention if he wasn't going to be available until the playoffs. <h3>It's likely two to three weeks for Frederic</h3> A more recent update from <a href='https://x.com/JShannonhl' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>John Shannon</a> indicates Frederic could be back within 2-3 weeks, which would give him time to get settled in before the playoffs. Trent Frederic is probably 2-3 weeks from playing for Edmonton. Today was the first day he was seen without a walking boot. - John Shannon <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/JShannonhl/status/1897011945259327489'> </a></blockquote></div> Though lacking in offensive totals, the 6'3 winger has size, grit, and versatility to provide to Edmonton's bottom six. He could play a role similar to Corey Perry if everything goes right. With <a href='https://www.nhl.com/oilers/player/trent-frederic-8479365' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Frederic</a> on IR for the time being, the Oilers can utilize the chance to open up more cap space, perhaps by trading Evander Kane or another player. Edmonton gave up a premium price on Frederic with salary retention, and that's an indication they're not finished yet. Look for at least one additional move prior to the March 7 trade deadline.