Rangers Sign Alexander Frolov
Dobber Sports
2010-07-27
Fantasy Impact: The New York Rangers have signed left winger Alexander Frolov to a one-year deal worth $3 million.
The Rangers get – An on-again, off-again first-line winger, considered by many to be the streakiest player in the NHL. When Frolov is on, he can be every bit as productive as Marian Gaborik. Imagine a team with two Gaboriks? Unfortunately, Frolov only becomes a Gaborik for about 15 games per season, usually broken up into small increments, and you never know when it’s coming.
Fantasy Players Impacted – Just like that, I’ve scratched Evgeni Grachev off the roster. I had him as a midseason call-up or an up-and-down AHL/NHL yo-yo, due to how extremely thin the Rangers were up front. That won’t happen now. Erik Christensen was pencilled in as a top-line left wing or center. Now his only shot on a scoring line is at center, and he’ll need to show that he clicks there better than Brandon Dubinsky. I already had a decline pencilled in for Vinny Prospal. That is now even more likely as he gets bumped down the depth chart.
This is a one-year deal and if Frolov wants to make any kind of decent money in this league he absolutely must flourish. An increased role (he was getting buried in L.A.) will also help. A career season could be in the works. Excellent decision by him to sign here. Sean Avery and Ryan Callahan will see small declines due to less power-play time.
Fantasy Players this helps, in order:
1. Frolov
2. Dubinsky
Fantasy Players this hurts, in order:
1. Christensen
2. Grachev
3. Prospal
4. Avery/Callahan