League: NHL Sport: Hockey Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Trent Frederic and Jake Walman appear on NHL's worst contracts list

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 23, 2026, 6:35 PM

Last updated Jul 23, 2026

Trent Frederic and Jake Walman appear on NHL's worst contracts list

Summary

Two players from the Edmonton Oilers, Trent Frederic and Jake Walman, have been ranked among the ten worst NHL contracts for the upcoming season. This evaluation, conducted by Dom Luszczyszyn of The Athletic, highlights concerns over their declining performance and hefty contracts. Frederic's seven-year deal worth $30.8 million is criticized for poor production, while Walman's recent seven-year, $49 million extension is noted for inconsistency. The Oilers currently have over $4.7 million in cap space as they aim for success in the upcoming season despite these contract challenges.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Frederic ranked 6th among NHL's worst contracts with negative surplus value.
•Walman placed 7th, facing scrutiny for inconsistent performance.
•Oilers projected to have $4.7 million in cap space entering the season.
•Concerns arise over long-term implications of both contracts for team competitiveness.
•Frederic and Walman need to improve performance to justify their contracts.

Latest Updates

6:35 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Tough Sell’ — 2 Oilers Players Land on 10 Worst NHL Contracts List

What they're saying

"
Building a Stanley Cup contender requires more than elite talent. Every long-term contract has to justify its place on the salary cap, especially when a franchise is investing heavily in a championship window.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Edmonton Oilers NHL Hockey