What Frolov Will Add

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Alexander Frolov and the New York Rangers did not seem to go together well in my mind originally, but now that the Blueshirts are about to ink him to a one-year deal I have no choice but to discuss what the Russian winger will add to the lineup. I will start off by saying that if you expect Frolov to be the next Marian Gaborik, you are setting yourself up for disappointment. Alex may be a natural goal scorer but is nothing close to Gaborik's caliber. This is why he will instantly become the Rangers source for secondary scoring.

The 28-year-old left winger only recorded 19 goals and 51 points in 81 games last season with the Los Angeles Kings. Frolov's powerplay minutes were slashed greatly, which was part of the cause for his sudden drop in production, but other than that I think he is losing some of his touch. I still think he could net 20-25 but the days where he used to hit 30 are probably passed him.

I think he will fit into the lineup nicely, though, most likely filling a slot on the second offensive line. Other than Gaborik no Ranger last year scored more than twenty goals so to have someone that is capable of doing so on the second unit will make a big difference. I know a lot of you are wondering if head coach John Tortorella will consider trying Frolov and Gaborik on the same line, and the answer is yes, I am almost positive he will. However, that would be foolish on Torts' part since he would only have one scoring line instead of two.

As I mentioned above, Frolov's specialty is the powerplay. Two years back he had 12 powerplay goals on the season, but only notched five in 2009-10. Nevertheless, the Blueshirts need any help they can get with the man advantage because what they throw out there on the powerplay unit now has serious trouble converting. That dreadful powerplay cost the Rangers numerous games last season, and essentially their season as well. If Frolov can add seven to ten more powerplay goals that would be fantastic.

Now of course the good comes with the bad and there are a lot of knocks on Frolov. The first thing that is often questioned about him is his character and desire to win. Much like former Ranger Nikolai Zherdev, sometimes Alex does not give it his all on the defensive side of the puck or when he has to backcheck. That is a problem right there that will not please John Tortorella. Zherdev watched most of the game from the bench when that happened and I am sure we will see Frolov do the same if he ends up signing here.

Secondly, consistency has become a struggle for Frolov. He will be hot for a stretch of games and then go a stretch where you do not notice him. That is again very similar to Nik Zherdev. Inconsistent players is not what New York needs right now being that they have a boatload of them already. They need scorers and that is what Frolov is, it is just a matter of how often he will do it.

All in all, Frolov will be a smart addition since he will give some aid to the ailing offense. But is he enough to make a playoff push?