ANAHEIM — Trent Frederic`s return to the ice was cut short after his ankle injury flared up again. After playing just over seven minutes for the Edmonton Oilers, he is likely facing another stint on the injured list.
Frederic, who was brought in at the trade deadline to add size and toughness to the Oilers` top six forwards, played only 7 minutes and 10 seconds in his debut against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday. He was absent from Monday`s morning practice in Anaheim and is not expected to play against the Ducks.
This is a significant setback for the Oilers, who are already dealing with injuries to key players including Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Mattias Ekholm, Evander Kane, and goalie Stuart Skinner. The team has only six games remaining before the start of the playoffs.
Frederic joined Edmonton on March 4 as part of a three-team trade that also brought fourth-line winger Max Jones to the Oilers. Frederic had initially suffered a high ankle sprain in a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on February 25.
The Oilers medical staff were aware of Frederic`s injury when they acquired him and knew he would be out for some time. However, the exact recovery time for high ankle sprains is always uncertain.
Frederic was initially expected to debut for Edmonton against the Ducks. But when Leon Draisaitl was injured on Thursday night in San Jose, Frederic`s return was moved up to Saturday`s game against the Kings.
Frederic started the game and delivered a big hit early in the first period. He briefly left the ice just six seconds into the game. He returned to the game later in the first period and was seen testing his ankle on the ice during a TV timeout.
Frederic played regular shifts until the third period. His last shift ended with 14 minutes and 51 seconds remaining in the game, and he did not play again.
Tristan Blackwood