Photo Credit: Candice Ward/USA TODAY Sports
It’s been a week full of smart, calculated moves by sophomore Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treliving. Sounds like we’re about to get another one.
UPDATE: Sportsnet’s Elliott Friedman reports on the cap hit:
TSN’s Bob McKenzie very recently tweeted that the Flames are closing in on winger Michael Frolik.
Chris Johnston of Sportsnet reported a similar thing, for what it’s worth.
TVA’s Renaud Lavoie is saying the deal is done.
Frolik has been identified by such advanced stats luminaries as our own Kent Wilson as a key player for the Calgary Flames to focus in on during free agency. He can drive possession and score goals. Here’s what Kent had to say, my emphasis added.
The Jets RW/C is a slightly better scoring version of Mikael Backlund. He drives shots for and against while he’s on the ice, is a capable penalty killer and can score at a 2nd liner’s rate. Frolik is also only 27 years old, so one of the youngest free agents around, a key consideration for the Flames who are still trying to transition into contenders.
Frolik would give Calgary another legit top-6 option on the right side behind Jiri Hudler, not to mention the ideal line mate for Mikael Backlund at even strength. He could also fill in on a shut down role if the team needed to shelter guys like Bennett or Gaudreau and his presence would push Joe Colborne down the depth chart, where he would be far more comfortable.
Of course, a lot of clubs will have their eyes on Frolik, so it’s probable he’ll be priced out of a reasonable range. However, if he comes in under $5M/year, he could be a decent bet for the Flames depending on term.
He’d almost be for the forward group what Dougie Hamilton is for the defensive core: a smart, versatile option that bumps guys down the depth chart slightly, putting guys that were playing over their heads into their proper roles. That can only be a good thing.
Time will tell if the rumoured deal materializes, and if the Flames can get it done at a manageable cap hit.