Frolov, Ponikarovsky and Kariya Still Available
The National Hockey League is moving through its third week of free agency, and it is rare to see three players the caliber of Alexander Frolov, Alexei Ponikarovsky and Paul Kariya still available. Certainly these three players have declined in recent years, and there is some question as to whether or not they are worth the types of salaries they were paid last season. However, several teams could still use the services of these skilled forwards.
Alexander Frolov
Frolov is coming off of a season in which his role was greatly diminished. 28 years old and drafted 20th overall by the Kings in 2000, Frolov has spent his entire career in L.A. He has been labeled as a player with a great deal of promise but never panned out. He is known to be in-and-out playing hard one night and disappearing for others.
Nevertheless, the young Russian's services could be used elsewhere next season. Frolov has never posted bad numbers, for three straight years he posted seasons of 60 points, and he comes at a very generous cap hit. Only making $2.9 million last season and possibly willing to take a bit of a pay cut, Frolov could be a great signing.
Frolov could fit well in Ottawa, where they will be looking to fill the void left by Jonathan Cheechoo, and may fit snuggly into their salary structure. A team like the Pittsburg Penguins may also be interested. As it appears they may not be prepared to sign Ponikarovsky, Frolov is a similar player, and can help fill out a week bunch of wingers. Finally the Washington Capitals could also use Frolov, a team that houses several Russian players. Frolov may be a great fit for their style of play.
Alexei Ponikarovsky
Similar to Frolov but at a cheaper price Poni could also be a useful addition to several NHL clubs. Poni brings some offense, but can also play third line minutes, while remaining fairly productive. Like Frolov, Poni can come in-and-out depending on the night.
As he's not as much of a point producer Ponikarovsky will demand less money. There is a good chance he could wind up back with Pittsburg as they have not signed any wingers and are going to need some to fill out their line up around their superstars at centre.
Poni could also be reunited with his friend and long-time Maple Leafs teammate Nik Antropov in Atlanta. It is not clear how close Atlanta is willing to go to the salary cap but Ponikarovsky would offer them the chance at an economical signing. Atlanta has a lot of work to do and Poni could fit into their plans.
Finally, the Tampa Bay Lightning could lock up the winger. They have tons of cap space and only have defenseman Paul Ranger as a pending restricted free agent. As they're fairly strong in the top-six, Poni could be a swing player between the top and bottom half of the roster.
Paul Kariya
For Kariya the motivator will not be money, but to win. Kariya is nearing the end of his career, and although he is not the point producer he used to be, he can still contribute offensively. Kariya is another winger that could join the Penguins this off-season, just as Bill Guerin did a couple years ago, Kariya still has the skill to walk into that line-up and produce on Sidney Crosby’s wing. Keeping with the "win now" theme, the Detroit Red Wings are always a possibility. With $3 million in cap space it is possible that after a major pay cut Kariya could fit into the line-up.
Frolov, Ponikarovsky and Kariya should all be signed by the beginning of the season in October, where they will take their skills in another story.
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