In a surprising pre-game development, the Edmonton Oilers have made a significant lineup change, declaring one of their major off-season acquisitions a healthy scratch. Forward Trent Frederic, signed to a long-term deal this past summer, will watch from the press box as the team faces the Vegas Golden Knights.
Lineup Shuffle and Injury Blow
The news, reported by Tony Brar of Oilers TV, indicates that forward Trent Frederic will come out of the lineup. Taking his place will be Curtis Lazar, who draws back in alongside defender Alec Regula. The move comes as centre Jack Roslovic returns to action after missing 11 games due to injury.
In a separate and concerning update for the team, Sportsnet's Gene Principe reports that goaltender Tristan Jarry is expected to be out of action for "a couple of weeks" due to an injury. Head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed that Connor Ingram will start in goal against Vegas in Jarry's absence.
Details on the Big Signing
Trent Frederic was a headline addition for General Manager Stan Bowman and the Oilers during the 2025 off-season. The centre inked a substantial eight-year contract worth $3.85 million per season, signaling the organization's long-term plans for him in their forward corps. His status as a healthy scratch so early into that deal is a notable development.
Other roster notes from the pre-game announcement include the assignment of prospect Lane Hutson back to the Bakersfield Condors after a recall, with Brar noting he "played well." Additionally, the team placed forward Will Clattenburg on Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR). Defenceman Jake Walman and forward Kasperi Kapanen are projected to be available to return sometime after January 1st.
Implications for the Oilers
The decision to scratch Frederic, a player signed to be a core piece, suggests the coaching staff is seeking a different look or a spark from the bottom six forwards. It places immediate pressure on the returning Curtis Lazar to provide energy and defensive stability.
The injury to Tristan Jarry, while described as a short-term absence, tests the team's goaltending depth. Connor Ingram now has an opportunity to claim a larger share of the net during this stretch. The Oilers will hope Jarry's recovery is swift and uneventful, as extended absences in the crease can derail a team's momentum in the competitive NHL landscape.
As the Oilers navigate these roster adjustments, all eyes will be on how the team performs without two expected contributors in the lineup tonight and in the coming weeks.
