EDMONTON — They say you need toughness to win in the playoffs.
The Edmonton Oilers know all too well what it’s like to come up short in the playoffs. Things could have played out differently if the Oilers had a healthy Evander Kane in the playoffs.
But now, we’ll never know.
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A sports hernia injury prevented Kane from playing the final few games of the Stanley Cup Finals. And this year, he hasn’t played a single game. Who knows if he can play up to his full potential once he returns.
When Kane is at the top of his game, he has a skill set that few players can duplicate or impersonate. However, the Oilers may have someone else who can inject some snarl and bite into the lineup.
Trent Frederic and Max Jones were acquired by the Oilers earlier this week. While this is likely not the only deal the team completes before Friday’s trade deadline, it has the opportunity to be the most impactful.
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Frederic is currently sidelined week-to-week with an ankle injury. He’s obviously looking to get back into the mix and play his game. While he hasn’t played to the level of Kane yet in his career, he’s certainly no pushover and can provide the same elements that Kane does.
At a much, much lower price than Kane.
He can grow into Kane’s role without needing top-six minutes and still be an effective player. This year, Frederic has played 57 games. He has eight goals, 15 points, and 152 hits in those games while playing 13:50 a night. Over the previous two years, he has scored 17 and 18 goals, respectively.
Unlike Kane, Frederic can also play center, which gives him a clear advantage over his teammate.
Frederic is also a better skater and six years younger than Kane. While age isn’t everything, there is no certainty that Kane will return and be the difference-maker he was in the 2021-22 playoffs.
If he can’t, Frederic will provide enough physicality and offense to inject some life into the Oilers without breaking the bank.
Who would you rather have, Frederic or Kane? If you would rather have Kane, are you comfortable knowing he might not play to his fullest ability when he returns? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Vote in the poll to let us know who you would prefer to have in the Oilers lineup.
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