Rangers and Frolov; Rumors are Heating Up

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The major name still out on the market right now is free agent winger Ilya Kovalchuk, whose demands are reportedly sky high. A team like the New York Rangers will have a very tough time locking up the skilled Russian, but clubs like the Los Angeles Kings or New York Islanders would not being that they have an ample amount of cap room. Honestly, I would not want the Blueshirts acquiring Kovalchuk anyway because I do not feel like he would be a good fit here. They are more than just a Kovalchuk from becoming a contender.

I have stated many times, I personally would not like Glen Sather's itchy finger to pull the trigger again this summer, but you know if a prime opportunity presents itself, he will jump all over it. A player who may have Slats' interest is Alexander Frolov, an unrestricted free agent winger that has some value. The Rangers and Frolov have crossed rumor paths several times over the course of the past week. Supposedly the two parties have been in contact, but nothing worth reporting has happened just yet.

At age 28, the left winger will be looking for a decent paycheck, but something that may work in the Rangers' favor is the fact that Frolov is coming off of a somewhat disappointing season. He only had 19 goals in 81 games played last season in Los Angeles, which is a staggering decrease from the 32 he notched just a season before.

By adding Alex, the Blueshirts would acquire some solid secondary scoring to take pressure off of Marian Gaborik. Certainly, playing on Gabby's off wing would create some space for the Slovakian star with Frolov carrying the puck. Also, the former King is great on the powerplay and would become an instant threat for the opposition. That would not hurt since the Rangers are a joke with the man advantage at the moment.

What would hurt is Frolov's price. Considering he will be looking for around $5 million per year, Sather would run into some trouble fitting him in under the cap, but it is not an impossible task. Like I said, I do not want this signing or any others to go through, but it is a rumor that is picking up steam so I figured I am obligated to discuss it here on the site.