Minutes ago the New York Rangers have announced the signing of winger Alexander Frolov on the team’s website. The 28-year-old Moscow native comes to the Big Apple after spending his entire NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings where he recorded 381 points in 536 games. The contract is said to be one year for $3 million compared to the $2.9 he made last season.
The two-time 30 goal scorer comes to the biggest market after seeing his beloved Kings drop him from the first line to the third last with head coach Terry Murray questioning his drive. According to SovSport in Russia, Frolov turned down a four-year $20 million contract with the KHL and will decide after this upcoming season where to commit long-term.
The addition of Frolov should compliment Marion Gaborik, as the Rangers seem to have found their one-two punch for this season at least depending if they are paired together on the top line. Despite having an “off-season” Frolov would have been third in scoring when comparing him to the Blue Shirts roster from last year with 51 points and could also serve as a mentor to young Artem Anisimov.
Despite being omitted from the 2010 Olympic roster, Frolov has represented Sbornya in 2006 in Turin along with the World and World Junior Championships. He will wear a new number as Ryan Callahan already speaks for #24.