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Michael Frolik should interest the Ottawa Senators

By James Reeve

CALGARY, AB - MARCH 21: Ottawa Senators Goalie Craig Anderson (41) pushes Calgary Flames Right Wing Michael Frolik (67) away from his crease during the third period of an NHL game where the Calgary Flames hosted the Ottawa Senators on March 21, 2019, at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, AB. (Photo by Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CALGARY, AB - MARCH 21: Ottawa Senators Goalie Craig Anderson (41) pushes Calgary Flames Right Wing Michael Frolik (67) away from his crease during the third period of an NHL game where the Calgary Flames hosted the Ottawa Senators on March 21, 2019, at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, AB. (Photo by Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The Ottawa Senators rebuild may require the team to take on some veteran contracts and Michael Frolik’s could be of interest to them.

With the Ottawa Senators needing to reach the cap floor this season, the addition of a veteran contract seems to be something the team must consider, whether that is via free agency or a trade.

31-year-old Czech winger Michael Frolik could be an intriguing option if the Senators decide they need to go down the trade route to keep a healthy cap situation next season.

Frolik currently plies his trade with the Calgary Flames, who had a sensational regular season but burnt out in the playoffs – being knocked out in the first round in Game Five by the Colorado Avalanche.

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The Flames have an interesting off-season ahead, with Matthew Tkachuk, older brother of Brady, needing a new contract – something that could come at a significant cost.

It’s expected that the Western Conference team will look to offload some pieces to have more flexibility and Frolik could be one of those players.

In 65 regular season games, Frolik registered 16 goals and 34 total points – averaging just 13:22 while on the ice.

His 56% Corsi rating is impressive, suggesting he has the ability to help drive play and could be a decent bottom-six forward with goalscoring upside, averaging around 15 goals a season since 2013.

A former tenth overall selection of the Florida Panthers in 2006, Frolik would bring with him a wealth of experience and even championship qualities – having played a part in the Chicago Blackhawks’ 2013 Stanley Cup run.

Frolik holds a $4.3 million cap hit for his final season but is only owed $3 million actual dollars for his salary – something that Eugene Melnyk would be satisfied with.

His cap hit would help the Senators sit comfortably within the ideal cap range while also giving the team a veteran player that could contribute offensively.

Considering the fact that Frolik was at times a healthy scratch for the Flames last season, his trade value will likely be quite low and if Calgary are determined to clear cap space, this could benefit the Ottawa Senators.

Offloading some bottom end prospect or late draft pick in exchange for Frolik could be a sensible move for the Ottawa Senators, especially as they would only have him on their roster for one season – and one that comes with virtually no expectations.

The one stumbling block could be Frolik’s modified No-Trade Clause, where he is required to provide a ten-team no-trade list.

If the Ottawa Senators are not on that list, however, he could be worth making a move for with very little required to acquire him and very little risk attached to a deal.

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What do you think though Sens fans? Would you be happy to see Frolik acquired? Who do you think the Senators should target in the off-season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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