Top forward acquisition possible for Game One, veteran d-man expected back to play

MAK Gojar

1 year ago

This in, new that Edmonton Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch has ruled out one fierce Oilers forward, Evander Kane, for Game One, but said another, Trent Frederic, might just play. Read More

This in, new that Edmonton Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch has ruled out one fierce Oilers forward, Evander Kane, for Game One, but said another, Trent Frederic, might just play. Of Kane, Knoblauch said he’s “close” to be ready to play. “Frederic is still day-to-day and he’s a possibility tomorrow but it’s not been determined.” Frederic

Published Apr 20, 2025 • Last updated 7 hours ago • 2 minute read

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ST LOUIS, MISSOURI – FEBRUARY 4: Brett Kulak #27 of the Edmonton Oilers beats Pavel Buchnevich #89 of the St. Louis Blues to the puck during the first period at Enterprise Center on February 4, 2025 in St Louis, Missouri. Photo by Dilip Vishwanat /Getty Images

This in, new that Edmonton Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch has ruled out one fierce Oilers forward, Evander Kane, for Game One, but said another, Trent Frederic, might just play.

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Of Kane, Knoblauch said he’s “close” to be ready to play. “Frederic is still day-to-day and he’s a possibility tomorrow but it’s not been determined.”

Frederic was Edmonton’s top forward acquisition at the trade deadline, but he’s only played done game here due to injury.

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Knoblauch also ruled out Troy Stecher and Mattias Ekholm for Game One, but said that veteran d-man Brett Kulak, who missed today’s practice due to his wife expecting to give birth to their second child, is expected back for Game One.

It’s still not known who will step in as the sixth d-man, Josh Brown, Cam Dineen or John Klingberg.

My take

1. I’d love to see both Kane and Frederic in the line-up, but that’s evidently a bridge too far for the players and coaches involved. That said, if Frederic is good to go, he’s a nasty physical player who can also chip in the odd point. He’s a major addition to the team.

2. No word yet on who will be the sixth d-man but if Klingberg is healthy he’s easily the best pick. He’s an NHL veteran, used to pressure games, and he can move the puck adroitly against an aggressive forecheck in a big game. That’s some Brown can’t do and it’s something Dineen hasn’t done in his NHL career.

3. There was some consternation in Oil Country when Brett Kulak missed today’s practice, what with the injury/illness situation on the Oilers. Good to hear there’s a non-injury reason for his absence, and a joyous reason to boot. The fact that the veteran d-man will be back with the team for Game One is also joyous news for Oilers fans. Kulak has played strong hockey three years running in the playoffs.