The Edmonton Oilers acquired Trent Frederic ahead of the 2025 NHL Trade deadline in a three-way deal with the Boston Bruins and New Jersey Devils.
In this deal the Devils were the “third-party” team used as a conduit to retain Frederic’s salary cap hit (AAV) a second time, allowing the Oilers to fit him into their books. This is not an uncommon practice but it is one that is set to be outlawed when the new National Hockey League (NHL) and the player’s association (NHLPA) collective bargaining agreement (CBA) takes effect.
It is one of the biggest provisions in the new CBA that will hurt the Oilers the most as they attempt to keep their Stanley Cup contention window open.
In this deal, the Bruins retained Frederic’s contract by 50 percent and traded him to the Devils for the rights to prospect Petr Hauser. They then also retained Frederic’s contract by 50 percent before sending him to the Oilers for the rights to prospect Shane LaChance.
Is Shane LaChance the prospect that got away?
At the time, many did not think much of it — LaChance was a sixth round selection by the Oilers back in 2021 — he had not been very highly regarded in their system. Oilers blog site; Oilers Nation listed LaChance as their 12th ranked prospect in the team’s system last year, only a few months before he was dealt to the Devils.
Lachance had his best season with Boston University of the NCAA, sporting the “C” as the team’s captain. The 22 year old finished his sophomore year scoring 12 goals and 18 assists for 30 points in 40 games. He then signed his two-year entry-level contract (ELC) in April, starting this upcoming year.
He finished the season with their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate the Utica Comets scoring one goal and one assist for two points in two games to finish out the year with the Comets.
This summer, he was labelled as the fifth best prospect according to NHL.com with Devils assistant general manager Dan MacKinnon speaking highly of him. “We're always looking to add a little size and robustness to this group," adding “For a guy like Shane, starting his development as a pro, it's going to be great to see how that goes."
The same piece places his expected NHL arrival to be this upcoming season, something that would have greatly benefitted the Oilers themselves. The team has had to cut costs and clear cap room and with the looming Connor McDavid extension, there will be more pressure placed on their payroll.
The Oilers need players who can be NHL contributors at a low cap hit and with the belief in LaChance being so high, it is tough to think he would not have been helpful for the team this season. There will inevitably be comparisons between the two forwards, especially with Frederic signing an eight-year, max-term contract this offseason at a $3.85 million AAV.
Should LaChance produce at a similar rate or by chance, outpace Frederic many Oilers fans may get a case of buyer's remorse. It is a storyline that is sure to draw attention this year and into the future and only time will tell if LaChance becomes the one that got away.