After posting 32 goals for the Kings in the 2008-09 season, Frolov scored just 19 times in what turned out to be his final season in Los Angeles. Frolov signed a one-year deal with the Rangers with hopes of putting together a productive upcoming season, and then getting rewarded in next year's offseason. Expect good things. The 6'2" Russian forward will likely play alongside Marian Gaborik on the Blueshirts' top line and will almost certainly see regular time on the team's first power play unit. In eight NHL seasons, Frolov has had two 30-goal seasons and he could easily reach that 30-goal plateau again. The only thing that could slow down Frolov is if he doesn't mesh well with Head Coach John Tortorella. Frolov has occasionally been known to "take games off" and often disappears on the ice, but he definitely has natural ability, and hopefully the Rangers are able to utilize his talent.
Frolov led the team in goals (32) and PPG (12) but did see his point total drop for the third straight year despite playing in 77 games thanks to a meager 27 assists. He was bounced up and down the lineup on a pretty consistent basis, even finding himself on a checking line at times. Whether he’s a 65-70 point player or a 75-80 point player remains to be seen and might be determined by what role he plays on the Kings.
Frolov saw his goal total slip to 23 last year after a career-high of 35 in the previous season. He dealt with a groin injury for much of the season but still managed to play 71 games. The Kings have a very dynamic group of forwards on their top two lines and Frolov is a major part of that. He figures to break the 80-point mark this season if he can stay healthy.
Frolov, who had already cemented himself as the team's top left wing, set career-highs for himself in goals (35), assists (36), points (71) and power-play points (28). He finished the year second on the team in scoring. He'll remain on one of the top scoring lines for the Kings and should be a big part of everything the team does at the offensive end.
Despite not having stable linemates for most of the season, Frolov still set a new career high in points. He will once again be called upon to be the Kings main scoring threat, and without a good supporting cast that may be hard for the youngster to do. There were times last season that he would just disappear during games and be a complete non-factor. However, with a new coaching staff and a different system in place he could thrive. Don’t be afraid to draft him, but drop him a bit due to the loss of Pavol Demitra.
Frolov looks to improve upon his 2003 - 04 numbers, and being on a line with Jeremy Roenick will most likely allow that to happen. A 40 goal season is a possibility given his ability, linemates and the new rules of the NHL.
