The NYR Facts Of Life: #31 Alex Frolov

For each player who suited up in a Blueshirt this season we will take the good, we will take the bad and take them both and see what we have. And this time around we started with the high numbers and are up to #31, Alex Frolov.

#31's #s: 43 games, 7 goals, 9 assists, 4, 8 PIM.

Take the good: Frolov's contract was only for one season. The Rangers posted a record of 4-1-1 when he tallied a goal ... do the math, he scored in six games. Six. The Russian surprisingly wasn't allergic to backchecking. He renewed the art of the wraparound.

Take the bad: He couldn't score on the damned move. Frolov teased us with a sexy goal on Fatso during the preseason and then proceeded to stink up the joint with halfhearted wraparound after halfhearted wraparound. The supposed goal scorer had droughts of seven, 10 and 11 games. He averaged over two minutes of power play time a game over his 43 and yet managed one, ONE power play point - an assist. He suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament, a second degree sprain of his medial collateral ligament and a medial meniscus tear in his right knee on January 8th at St. Louis ... sadly, this probably belongs in the good as it gave ice time to players who may have a future with the club.

Take them both and then we have: The Rangers hoped a change of scenery from L.A. could solve his slumping and it simply didn't work. Perhaps Avangard Omsk in the KHL will have better luck.

 The NYR Facts Of Life: #31 Alex Frolov - A Russian Sniper in Broadway Blue

In the storied history of the New York Rangers, fans have witnessed a multitude of talents grace the ice at Madison Square Garden. Among them, the enigmatic and gifted winger Alex Frolov stands out as a player whose time with the Blueshirts was brief but left an enduring mark. In this article, we delve into the career of Alex Frolov, his journey to the NHL, his impactful stint with the Rangers, and his legacy in the world of hockey.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Enigmatic Russian Forward

Setting the stage for a retrospective on Alex Frolov's career with the New York Rangers.

The Early Years: Frolov's Ascent from Russia to Los Angeles

Exploring Frolov's hockey roots in Russia and his journey to becoming an NHL player with the Los Angeles Kings.

The Russian Sniper: Frolov's Prolific Scoring Prowess

Analyzing Frolov's scoring ability, playmaking skills, and his reputation as a true Russian sniper in the NHL.

Broadway Bound: Frolov's Arrival in New York

Discussing the anticipation and excitement surrounding Frolov's signing with the Rangers and his role on Broadway.

The Roller Coaster Ride: Frolov's Inconsistent Stint with the Rangers

Examining the highs and lows of Frolov's time in New York, including moments of brilliance and struggles.

The Legacy of #31: Remembering Alex Frolov

Reflecting on Frolov's impact on the Rangers and his enduring legacy in the world of hockey.

: The Russian Sniper's Brief But Memorable Stay

Summarizing Alex Frolov's unique place in Rangers history and the NHL.

1. Introduction: The Enigmatic Russian Forward

The New York Rangers have seen their fair share of talented forwards don the iconic Broadway Blue. Among these players, Alex Frolov's name may not be the first to come to mind, but his skill, potential, and enigmatic presence left an indelible mark during his time in New York.

2. The Early Years: Frolov's Ascent from Russia to Los Angeles

Frolov's journey to the NHL began in Russia, where he honed his skills and earned a reputation as a promising talent. His path eventually led him to the Los Angeles Kings, where he showcased his scoring prowess.

3. The Russian Sniper: Frolov's Prolific Scoring Prowess

What set Alex Frolov apart was his ability to find the back of the net with precision. He became known as a true Russian sniper, capable of delivering clutch goals and exciting plays.

4. Broadway Bound: Frolov's Arrival in New York

The signing of Alex Frolov by the New York Rangers was met with optimism. Fans hoped he would bring his scoring touch to the Big Apple and make a significant impact on the team's success.

5. The Roller Coaster Ride: Frolov's Inconsistent Stint with the Rangers

Frolov's tenure with the Rangers was marked by both moments of brilliance and periods of inconsistency. Despite flashes of his scoring prowess, he faced challenges adapting to the demands of the NHL.

6. The Legacy of #31: Remembering Alex Frolov

While Alex Frolov's time with the Rangers was relatively brief, his impact on the team and the broader hockey community is undeniable. His unique skills and the memories of his time in New York continue to resonate.

7. Conclusion: The Russian Sniper's Brief But Memorable Stay

In closing, Alex Frolov's journey from Russia to the NHL, his scoring ability, and his time with the New York Rangers reflect the unpredictable nature of professional hockey. Despite the brevity of his stay, his legacy endures, serving as a reminder of the talent and potential that can briefly light up Broadway.

Final Thoughts

Alex Frolov may not be a household name in the pantheon of Rangers legends, but his contributions to the team and the broader landscape of NHL talent should not be forgotten. His journey serves as a testament to the challenges and opportunities that come with being a Russian sniper in the world's premier hockey league.

Pryvet Sasha

Well, it is official, the Rangers have signed Alexander "Sasha" Frolov. The terms appear to be one year, $3 million.

I want to make it clear - as it perhaps was not yesterday - I don't hate Frolov. I hate what he stands for. He is the latest mercenary that Sather has signed to maintain this mediocre team's meager reputation. As I tweeted yesterday, I want the franchise to "Either go 4 the Cup or build a team that can win 1. Don't set the bar at 8th place." By bringing in another hired gun, that is all that they are doing.

Tortorella and Sather said all the right things last month to get season ticket holders to re-up: 'youth will be served' and 'the kids will get every chance to make the lineup this fall.' Now that is certainly not the case. Adding a top six winger ensures that any of the skill kids will be on the outside looking in. For all of the hype about Mats Zuccarello-Aasen, his spot on the roster has now been filled. As we saw last season with Corey Locke and PA Parenteau, you can't put a small skill guy on the third or fourth line and have them be effective. Now, unless an injury bug hits the Blueshirts hard, the only open spot on offense will be the time-share with the Boogeyman on the fourth line.

Having Frolov come in one a one-year deal is good in that he will be motivated. He should - emphasize should - be playing with a chip on a shoulder. He needs to prove that he is the 35 goal guy of four years ago who deserves a big money contract rather than the one who lost his top-six slot last season and managed just 19 before being unceremoniously dumped by his team. He could be a high-octane sniper who can come in and give Arty Anisimov some confidence. Replacing Arty's boyfriend Enver with a mentor who speaks his language hopefully will be quite the boon.

And that is all we can hope for. Youth will never be properly served in New York, no matter how much we may want it to be. The big brass feels that they have to ease it in one or two guys a season. It is incredibly frustrating because that isn't the way to build a Stanley Cup contender in today's league. I saw the Stanley Cup raised just feet away from me in Philadelphia last month so forgive me if I want to see it raised in New York sometime soon.

Oh Glen, You Did It Again

Not content to make waves with the horrific contract he gave out to the Boogeyman, Glen Sather has apparently wasted a roster spot on Alexander Frolov. (Player card to be added later, when this is made official - or should it still be if? I certainly won't bitch about money until then but anything more than two million would be ridiculous. This guy should get Boogaard money; I wish that wasn't chuckle-worthy.)

Right off the bat, let's call this Nik Zherdev Part Deux. Anyone want to set the over/under for how long it will take the enigmatic Russian to land in John Tortorella's doghouse? Frolov is a bit older - 28 - and has two 30+ goal seasons under his belt but, like Zherdev, he doesn't live up to his potential and he is just as one-dimensional.

And that one dimension really isn't that great. Just 13 of his 51 points last season came on the power play despite averaging 2:24 of man advantage ice time each night. Well hell, no wonder we signed him. Frolov will fit right in with our current bunch of power play failures. If only we can bring Perry Pearn back ...

Frolov, like Markus Naslund before him, is coming to New York after three straight seasons of declining production. In Frolov's case, he has actually amped up the number of shots he has taken the last two years but it clearly did not help.

Don't get me wrong, Frolov should help chip in a goal or two this season. But, seeing as the team has zero chance at winning the Stanley Cup, the roster spot would be far better spent on someone who would have a future with the team. All this signing does is declare the Blueshirts will again make their annual run at the eighth spot in the conference.

Mediocrity, thy home is MSG ... the perfect place for Alex Frolov.