The Edmonton Oilers have made a significant addition to their defense by acquiring Jake Walman from the San Jose Sharks in a strategic trade just ahead of the NHL trade deadline. In exchange, the Sharks receive AHL forward Carl Berglund and a conditional first-round draft pick for 2026 from the Oilers, which is top-12 protected. If the pick lands within the top 12, the Oilers can opt to transfer their 2027 first-round selection instead. This trade represents an effective move by Sharks GM Mike Grier, turning Walman into a first-round pick after initially acquiring him for future considerations.

Walman, who is having a career-best season with 6 goals and 26 assists while averaging over 23 minutes of ice time per game, is signed through the 2025-26 season with a manageable cap hit of $3.4 million. He joins an Oilers team that recently bolstered its roster by adding center Trent Frederic from the Boston Bruins, aiming for a second consecutive playoff run and a chance at the Stanley Cup.

The Edmonton Oilers bolstered their forward lineup by trading defenseman Max Wanner and draft picks to the Boston Bruins for Trent Frederic, Max Jones, and rights to Petr Hauser. Jones has shown potential in the AHL with 13 goals and 8 assists in 38 games this season, adding some NHL experience with 7 games played for the Bruins. His career stats reflect a solid performance with 62 points across 265 NHL games. Wanner, meanwhile, had modest contributions in his second AHL season. This trade may signify the Oilers' aim to enhance their offensive depth and create a more balanced roster as they focus on playoff contention.

The NHL trade deadline week has kicked off with major moves already shaking up team rosters. Superstar Mikko Rantanen has made headlines after transitioning from the Colorado Avalanche to the Carolina Hurricanes, reviving trade discussions around his future. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers made a strategic acquisition, adding Trent Frederic in an effort to enhance their depth scoring. This comes as J.T. Miller and Seth Jones are among notable players who have already changed teams, creating ripple effects across the league.

The Oilers navigated tight salary cap constraints to acquire Frederic, who, despite a modest point total this season, has the potential to rebound from his previous career-high performance. On the flip side, the Boston Bruins opted for a longer-term focus, trading Frederic while retaining part of his cap hit. This strategy aligns with a growing trend of teams positioning themselves for future seasons while also aiming for playoff success.

The Edmonton Oilers have fortified their lineup by acquiring forward Trent Frederic from the Boston Bruins, marking their first significant move ahead of the NHL trade deadline. In exchange, Edmonton surrendered a 2025 second-round pick, a 2026 fourth-round pick, and prospect Max Wanner, while the Bruins retained half of Frederic's $2.3 million salary. This trade signifies Boston's initial sell-off as they chase a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, especially with their captain, Brad Marchand, dealing with injury and limited contract status.

For Edmonton, the addition of Frederic, who brings physicality and depth to their forward unit, aims to complement stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. This strategic acquisition comes after the Oilers' near-miss in the previous season's Stanley Cup Final, and Frederic is expected to provide the toughness needed for another deep playoff run. Along with Frederic, the Oilers also welcomed Max Jones in the deal, further enhancing their roster depth as they prepare for the postseason.

In a significant move, the Boston Bruins traded Trent Frederic to the Edmonton Oilers as part of a three-team trade involving the New Jersey Devils. The Bruins initially sent Frederic to New Jersey in exchange for unsigned forward Petr Hauser while retaining 50% of Frederic's salary. New Jersey then dealt Frederic to Edmonton for forward Shane Lachance, also retaining 50% of his salary.

Frederic, who has been sidelined with an upper-body injury, recorded 15 points (eight goals, seven assists) in 57 games this season. He is in the final year of a two-year, $4.6 million contract and will become an unrestricted free agent following this season. The Oilers, currently second in the Pacific Division, aim to bolster their roster with this acquisition.