Alexei Ponikarovsky got a one-year, $3-million contract from the Kings, the same contract that Alexander Frolov got from the New York Rangers. Capgeek.com has a look at the Kings’ salary structure here.
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Lame, I would have rather just kept Fro if they’re paying the same amount.
[Reply]
txkingsfan Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
@friarking, Fro wanted to leave. He blames TM and DL for hurting his stock and believes that in another system he can truly show his capabilities. I wish him luck – I just wish he could have achieved his potential in the 7 years he was in LA.
[Reply]
Kings Win, Duck's Lose Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
@txkingsfan,
Yeah, that SI article which pictured an cartoon of Frolov in a dog house with a collar & leash being held by TM probably didn’t help his stock!
[Reply]
fourtunato Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
@txkingsfan,
He’s gonna pull a Molson and score 40 in NY.
[Reply]
tuan jim Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:37 pm
@fourtunato,
Yes. I’m still throwing up over this.
USHA#17 Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:49 pm
@txkingsfan,
I think he did achieve his potential in LA.
He did fine with one exception, he tended to fold when the hitting picked up.
[Reply]
mrk Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
@USHA#17,
I remember differently, I remember him holding on to the puck even when the hitting picked up.
mrk Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
@USHA#17,
You might be thinking Ryan Smyth.
I was never that impressed with Fro, so changing him out could be a good thing. We will see. I’d still like to see Simmonds get more ice time.
[Reply]
Rich, please oh please can you get a statement from Dean why they feel this will improve our team as opposed to letting Frolov go at the same price. I’m guessing Frolov didn’t feel like being TM’s scapegoat this year as well???
[Reply]
Puckn-A Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
@Puckn-A, Is their some journalism fund I have to donate to, to get a response Rich? Are my questions dumb. You never respond to mine, I know your busy but I see others getting responses to odd questions. Just wondering if you could ask Dean what the logic was in this move.
[Reply]
Billy Smith 31 Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:06 pm
@Puckn-A, Give Rich a break. He’s on vacation!!!
Besides, Frolov wanted to leave, it wasn’t simply a choice between the him and Poni.
[Reply]
MacSwede Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
@Puckn-A, I am sure we will get a comment from Dean soon, have patience. Rich is on vacation for christ sake..
[Reply]
King Wok Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:24 pm
@Puckn-A,
Although I personally would’ve rather have kept Frolov also, he did have some big issues being consitant. He in my opinion could steal, work the boards or hold on to the puck better than anyone, he wasn’t consistant. Plain and simple. He’ll always be a silent favorite of mine. I probably feel this way since he’s been with us since the beggining of his career. I wish him well, and hope DL still knows what plan B is going to be ! But from the looks of it.. he replaced Fro with a wannabe fro. Just longer name .. guess we’ll have to see about his work ethic ?
[Reply]
mrk Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 6:14 pm
@King Wok,
Wanna be Fro is just like how I see it. An average scorer of 20-30 goals have been replaced by a 20 goal scorer, for roughly the same price. I don’t blame DL for this, after all it was Fro that wanted to move on. However, I can’t blame Frolov as well, he’s been a scape goat and much too much have been expected from him.
All I’m saying is if you’re gonna call somebody out for “inconsistent” play, you better call everybody else on this team out with a few exceptions, and it’s a damn shame that the exceptions are the rookies.
ike Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:41 pm
@Puckn-A, You think you can just ask rich a question in a blog reply and he instantly calls Dean from vacation and posts the response within 35 minutes?
[Reply]
Puckn-A Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:52 pm
@ike, No I think Rich has a 3 way mindlink with Dean and Mikus and that when a question is posted he simultaneously has an answer at the exact moment the question is posed.
Well, that was pointless. . .
Would rather have just kept Frolov.
[Reply]
Pretty even trade, but I expect to see Poni come out playing hard to prove himself after only 50 points last season. Frolov was unhappy and probably wouldn’t have been inclined to play hard.
[Reply]
Kings vs. Rangers
Thursday Feb 17th at 4pm Pacific
Let the battle of the 1yr-3mil players begin!
[Reply]
Puckin-A Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
@wavesinair, if he’s not in TM’s doghouse by then.
[Reply]
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!
juat…just fail.
i feel like we took 2 steps back for some reason.
[Reply]
John Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
@Tookie,
You should probably delve deep & find out what that reason is
[Reply]
meh…at least it sounds like he’s more defensively responsible than Fro. I think we’ll see more moves coming up.
[Reply]
Wahhhhh :’[ This is a disappointing off season. Good luck Frolov.
[Reply]
Well since its the same $, its either Fro didnt want to play for us or Dean didn’t want him to play for us…which is it?
[Reply]
Dr.Gonzo Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
@Crownme87,
It was both.
[Reply]
sstephen17 Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
@Dr.Gonzo, I like Fro but c’mon, he put up basically his worse numbers in a contract year. DL signing Poni is basically a wash but the Kings have a different player with something to prove going into free agency.
[Reply]
Frolov said NO to the kings. So obviously they didn’t sign him….. They signed a 4 time 20 goal scorer who can play defense and on the PK along with PP.
LA IS NOT a cup contender this year IMO. There still a year or two after this season. I think 1 more year so 2 years.
Its a 1 year deal than he’s off the books give it some time before you judge the deal….
[Reply]
Kopi-star Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
@Mike L, Well put, its all about the player buying into the system. We’ll find out in October.
[Reply]
So is this Deans “big splash” in the free agent market………woooohoooo im pummped….oh wait, no Im not. Did you here that? That was the rest of the NHL teams laughing at us……..Wow Dean you really showed Frolov……not.
[Reply]
Eric K Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 2:28 pm
@chuckrocks, Using the “not” joke twice in one post? Wow, clever.
[Reply]
chuckrocks Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 2:33 pm
@Eric K, Oh Boo Hoo, if dont like it then dont read it.
[Reply]
Choralone Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 2:59 pm
@chuckrocks, That doesn’t make any sense. We can’t know we don’t like it UNTIL we read it.
McDonalds Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
@Choralone,
hahahaha that made me chuckle
ike Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:43 pm
@Eric K, who should he have signed? The only potential big splash is IK and we know how thats going.
[Reply]
ike Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:45 pm
@ike, Previous comment intended for chuckrocks
Christian T Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
@chuckrocks,
Once again it is proven that if a player does not want to play for the Kings Dean will let him go.
Good! If Fro truelly believes it is the Kings fault his stock plummeted than he needs to look in the mirror. Move on Kings fans. Frolov did NOT want to play for us this year. He needs a change as do we.
[Reply]
Mugsy Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 2:59 pm
@Christian T,
DING DING DING!!! We have a winner!!
For all of you Fro lovers out there, please re-read the post above this one. It will explain everything.
Time to move on people.
[Reply]
Puckin-A Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 4:27 pm
@Mugsy, Yeah, he demoted himself and put up 50 points on a checking line. He did his job as good as any King last year.
John Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 7:47 pm
@Christian T,
Well said, Christian! And I’m a huge Frolov fan.
[Reply]
CUP4LA Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 2:54 pm
@chuckrocks, Didn’t they teach you the diffrence between “Here” and “Hear” in the 3rd grade?
[Reply]
chuckrocks Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
@CUP4LA, I aint gots no learning. Ok, Im not going to get excited about a guy that will be a third line player at best.
[Reply]
John Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 7:50 pm
@chuckrocks,
WHY NOT??! Hockey is the ultimate team sport, all 20 guys play! And TM would LOVE to roll 4 lines.
sstephen17 Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:01 pm
@chuckrocks, Hi QQ.
[Reply]
LB Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:01 pm
@chuckrocks,
while this is not the signing we’re looking for…the Kings are FAR from a team everyone in the league is laughing at…have you seen what’s going on with some other teams? I think quite the opposite that most teams are wishing they were in our position. At the same time, have we addressed the problems of our poor 5 on 5 scoring? NOPE.
[Reply]
I think this is good, we get a 3rd line winger for the same price Frolov would of been, he is a grittier player then frolov, goes hard to the net, exactly whats needed for the third line with Simmonds and Handzus.. this will be a great third line, now for a First line LW and a Defencmen, we have 13 million in cap space…
[Reply]
from tsn The Kings have played a very patient game this summer and secured the services of Ponikarovsky for $3.2-million; a raise on the $2.5-million, he made last season, but the short term of the deal minimizes the level of risk involved for the Kings and makes it worth paying a bit of a premium. Now why pay him more 2010-2011 than 2009-2010 when his most productive season was in 2008-2009
[Reply]
Michael_DD8 Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 4:23 pm
@MURF,
‘ow why pay him more 2010-2011 than 2009-2010 when his most productive season was in 2008-2009″
If thats your question, you just posted your own answer. Minimizes the level of risk involved, and makes it worth paying a bit of a premium
[Reply]
I have no problem with that contract. I’m sure Frolov rejected a similar offer from the Kings because his ding dong agent felt he was mistreated by TM.
Poni will provide some needed big body infront of the net, so I see this more as an upgrade to Modin, not Frolov.
[Reply]
Fro wasn’t comingback to LA after the comments his agent made I don’t want him in LA. Poni is a talented guy and will do good for the kings next year. 20 goals and 20 assist plus a guy that had a good +\- on the maple leafs, worth a chance I would say.
[Reply]
You guys are assuming that Fro would’vesigned here for 3 mil…I for one think Pomi is a better fit in our system and a line of Poni-Zues-Simmer would give other teams hell…
GO KINGS!
[Reply]
King John Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
@hagi18,
Yeah, Poni on the 3rd line—that could be great both defensively and offensively for a 3rd line!
[Reply]
Silent Bob Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
@King John, Are we already calling him Poni? We’re not going with AP? Who gets to make that call?
[Reply]
King John Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
@Silent Bob,
Too many Kings’ players referred to by their initials isn’t good and harder to keep track of. We need some variety. ‘Poni’ is catchy and obvious and has already been used.
One step back, one step forward to land right where you were. The way to look at it is do you pay Fro $3M to stay here and play disgruntled, or do you pay Poni $3M to come here in hopes that a change of scenery does him well?
Fro wasn’t going to get out of the dog house magically so I’m not sure why anyone thinks he’d be happy to play here at a lower salary than last year. This really amounts to a par move for Dean. I hope there’s more to come, but not really optimistic about that.
[Reply]
Why all the crying?
This is obviously a low grade lateral transaction, not meant to be a replacement for the Kovy drama or other top tier player. Noone knows how well he will fit with the Kings, but a fairly priced decent player on short term.
[Reply]
ike Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
@grtai, I don’t get the crying either.
[Reply]
i bet u bob miller and jim fox are studying hard just to say this guys name. hehehehehe
[Reply]
I wonder if DL has to read War & Peace again.
[Reply]
well I dont know what to think so far about the off season – on the other hand surfing in tahiti for the last 2 mo – has totally rocked -
[Reply]
LVKINGS88 Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
@dirtmover, Damn I wish I did’t have to read that,seeings how I’m stuck in the desert,with no yob,thats cruel.Always wanted to go,been to Clouds and NZ,and of course HI and Cabo though.Yes you did’nt miss much,huh guys?, did he?.
[Reply]
Tookie Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
@dirtmover,
Tow-ins at teahupoo?
[Reply]
A younger, healthier Modin for a full year. I’m good with that. He fills a hole, but is hardly the missing piece.
We are still in need of a sniper and a vet dman.
[Reply]
You guys do realize that Poni and Frolov are two different style players. Fro doesn’t per se crash the net he holds onto the puck, Ponivarski crashes has a little more speed to his game.
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
@Milamber, which is what Terry Murray was trying to get all his players to understand last season…and mostly everyone except for Frolov got it.
Fro was a master at receiving the puck in the center of the ice, skating it into the low corners, and doing a series of spin-a-ramas and changes in direction for a few minutes, then being pushed off the puck. Hopefully Pnikarovski will take the puck to the net…which is usually how most goals are scored.
Im overall happy with the “trade” but i would still like to see DL bring in a few top guys. We’ll see.
[Reply]
ike Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
@Sebastian, thats exactly right. He’d have his back to everyone else while he played keep away. Eventually, he would get tired and cough it up.
[Reply]
Our third line is looking good…but i wish they would have given this guy a little less $$. oh well…would be nice to get a LWer for our 1st or 2nd line now.
the biggest question i have going into training camp…Is Brayden Schenn ready for the NHL? The only way he makes the team is by taking the #2 center spot away from Stoll. If not…dont even bother bringing him up.
[Reply]
murf Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
@Sebastian, IMO if schenn is ready i see DL trading stoll and a draft pick for kaberle
[Reply]
Obviously, they don’t just dislike Frolov, they really really hate him!
[Reply]
Poni who???? Another cheap deal just to fill some holes. I guess u gotta do something! If this guy hits his average we still have not improved as a hockey club!!! The idea is to get better D.L.!!! Not get even!!!
[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:06 pm
@illegalstick33,
I agree with you except for the “Poni who?” part. Ponikarovsky, in the grand scheme of things, has more playoff games in the NHL than Frolov at least (24 to 6).
[Reply]
Hey ya all, lets just give this new guy a chance befor we undermind him. After all he is a King now. I will miss Fro but i think he didn’t want to stay hear becouse of all this Kovi stuff and he felt 2nd to the Kings.
This new guy brings size and experiance to the team. his numbers arn’t that far off from Fro’s too. lets wait and see what happens.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 2:54 pm
@king lopez,
I agree with you totally. But, I think Fro wanted away from the Kings because the team went a “different direction” and just showing up wasn’t acceptable anymore, not for the Kovi thing. I do wish Fro the best tho, as he gave some thrills to Kings fans on occasion, just not consistently enough.
[Reply]
I just like saying PONIKAROVSKY.
Equipment guys are gonna play hell trying to fit it on the back of his jersey IMO!!! LOL
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
@Kingsfanone, haha, specially since they couldnt get “Richarson” right a few years ago.
[Reply]
c’mon people. Fro wanted out. He disappeared all the friggin’ time. The guy was as enigmatic as they come. Get over it. He had a decent run in LA when there was no pressure to make the playoffs. When he needed to turn it on to show he deserved a pay-day, the Fro the Kings needed was nowhere to be found.
Poni is a big guy that crashes the net (something Fro wouldn’t do) and bangs in ugly goals. What were we all yelling at Fro to do the last 7 years? SHOOT THE ****ING PUCK!!!
Garbage goals are still goals.
I say advantage goes to the Kings by the slightest of margins. I hope he wears #24 just to piss all the Fro fans off.
[Reply]
People, please stop telling other people who disagree with you to “Apply to be a GM somewhere and see how you do”. That is a ridiculous statement to make. Everyone has their own opinions. With that being said, I just can’t sit here and see the Kings making the playoffs next season. Flame Suit On!
[Reply]
@USCG, Just curious….why won’t the Kings make the playoffs next season? Because they didn’t sign Frolov? Because they signed Poni? Other? Please explain.
[Reply]
USCG Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:27 pm
@Pedro Kings, No, that’s not my reasoning at all. My reasoning is that other teams in the west have done a great deal to improve. St.Louis is no joke next season. Great draft for them and a great goalie. They will make the play offs. Nashville always seems to have our number. The top 5 will remain the same with us battling Pheonix, St.Louis, Colorado, and Nashville for 3 spots. Even Minnesota has added speed and size. If we do make the playoffs, which I doubt, I wouldn’t give us any better a shot than at the 8 spot.
[Reply]
Why are so many of you assuming Frolov would have taken a deal for 3 mil a year from the Kings? I’m betting he definitely wouldn’t have, more like 5 mil for multi year if anything. Frolov had his run and didn’t impress so we move on! Get over it.
[Reply]
Plan A = Kovalchuk
Plan B = Gagne
Plan C = Frolov
Plan D = Poni
Im surprised there was no Lebron like special for this signing.
[Reply]
MacSwede Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:06 pm
@Vahe, As I mention down below, this has nothing to do with us aquiring a scoring winger or not. This is purely a one year replacement to Frolov, like a bridgeplayer.
Actually, we can still sign Kovalchuk, or trade for some other scorer.
[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
@Vahe,
I’m not sure those situations all refer to the same team needs. I don’t think anyone’s saying that Poni is replacing the top 6 role that we targeted Kovy or Gagne for.
[Reply]
vahe Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
@Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache,
It is not a bsd move, but it reminds of the type of free agents that AEG has signed over the years. Conroy, Handzus, Scuderi, Klatt, now Pon. For some reason these are the only type of free agents the Kings are able to sign
[Reply]
Eric K Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
@Vahe, If what’s being said by Fro’s agent and the media is true, Fro was more like Plan Z. Or Plan 9 (From Outer Space!)
[Reply]
Finally! A new thread for us to post comments in!!!
Lets brake the 2000 border!!!!
Seriosly, I like this “trade”. This has nothing to do with us aquiring a scoring winger, or
puckmoving defensemen, OR the resigning of DD and JJ. Thats why he is signed to a one year contract.
So this is purely a aquirement for the next season. Good Deano! Keep em coming
[Reply]
Now we have a poni to pull the kings hearse next year.
[Reply]
This is embarrassing. AP played with a couple losers named Crosby and Malkin and didn’t do anything. Lombardi is a meat head who pretends to understand math and will never be able to convince a superstar to play here because he under pays and insults the derserving while paying 6.75M to Ryan Smyth who is a terrible hockey player. Awful. Watch Frolov and Gaborik do work in the garden and watch DBrown and AP struggle for 20.
[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
@KingVern,
LOL… I love these “sky is falling” posts. I especially chuckled at the “Ryan Smyth is a terrible hockey player” part.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
@Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache,
Agreed. Anyone who thinks “Smyth is a terrible hockey player” has never watched him play nor understands what he brings to each shift. Sure he’s not flashy, but because of what he does the other guys get their points.
[Reply]
KingVern Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:27 pm
@Kingsfanone, Luckily I have season seats and I get to watch him suck every night from the 9th row. Sadly, It’s not 2001 and we don’t live in Edmonton. Seems like a hell of nice guy though and I appreciate his semi-mullet that he probably uses to channel his glory days.
KingVern Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
@Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache, It’s a good thing that around here, the sky doesn’t have very far to fall.
[Reply]
Old Time Hockey Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
@KingVern, but, did you see him when he was playing with Sundin and Antropov??? Much different story. Just because he played with Crosby didn’t mean they jelled.
[Reply]
KingVern Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
@Old Time Hockey, I guess you’re referring to 06/07 when he had 21 and 24?? Those numbers would be amazing if your name was D Brown or J Williams but for 3M and not resigning Frolov, I don’t know if that’s the best argument.
[Reply]
Old Time Hockey Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 6:12 pm
@KingVern, What I’m referring to is that our team plays a much different style then Crosby and the Pens (didn’t the Kings beat them when they made their west coast tour??), the Kings play more on the style of Sundin and the Leafs so I think he may fit better here then when he was Pittsburgh with the two superstars. Granted he has never been a large number goal scorer but he does put the puck in the net in the 3rd periods when they mean something. I think he’ll make us forget about Fro. I don’t know what his everyday attitude was like with the other teams, but we do know what Fro’s was.
5holer Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
@KingVern, Wow, I am impressed. You were here for all those Clipper games and got your hockey IQ up so high! Imagine that! It is clear you are not a hockey scout. Your drivel on Smythe is daunting! Mindless! Lombardi is a Meat Head! I am enlightened now. Your ramblings remove all doubt of your hockey prowess! Stay at the Clipper games. They are your style team! You show up to a hockey post with a nickle and a push broom! I’m sure listening!
[Reply]
KingVern Reply:
July 28th, 2010 at 10:42 am
@5holer, You’re the one comparing the Kings to the Clippers, not me. But they are very similar franchises I’ll give you that. Same amount of Championships. I think the reason my Hockey IQ is so bad is because I play hockey 3 nights a week and I’ve had season seats for the Kings since 1989. Ryan Smyth is terrible. When your mom buys you 4 tickets 4 hotdogs and 4 Pepsis to a Tuesday night game against Nashville in section 307 on dipsh*t night, you should take a closer look with your binoculars.
[Reply]
I went and watched some tape on Ponikarovsky and what I saw was nice, he isn’t a perimeter player, he releases the puck super quick, he’ll go to the net and he can pass , turn quick and shoot very fast he is an NHLer as one tape showed his shot going between the goaltender and the pipe with about a 4 inch opening from the dot. He doesn’t look anything like Fro did, he also seems faster on his skates and also goes into the corners. Buttt we shall see won’t we.
[Reply]
I’m thinking this is a hole-filling lateral move, plain and simple. Except Poni hopefully understands his role on the 3rd line (and has been described as a defensive forward and good two-way team player), whereas Fro gave us fits thinking he could possibly be a 1st/2nd line guy but didn’t seem to fit in on the 3rd line either.
[Reply]
Wait….so we didn’t get Kovalchuk?
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Hopefully Bettman will nullify this contract on the basis of sheer stupidity, which I believe is contained in Section 36(b) of the CBA.
But seriously, I’ve watched Poni play many games for the Leafs. His game resembles a burro more than a Poni, so I move for a nickname change at once. For both the Frolov haters and lovers, it will be business as usual.
Deano, you disappoint me.
[Reply]
I don’t really have an opinion on Ponikarovski. But at least the Kings finally did SOMETHING.
[Reply]
The common idea in here seem to be that this was all that Dean could get, in comparsion to Kovalchuk or Gagne.
Are you dumb??????
This has nothing to do with that at all!! This is purely a one year replacement for Frolov.
[Reply]
therope Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 3:50 pm
@MacSwede,
So with you on this…
[Reply]
5holer Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 4:36 pm
@MacSwede, It wasn’t a replacement for Fro here. DL was in on Poni last trade deadline. Shero paid more & got him. 16 games in Pitt is nothing to judge by. Fact is he’s big (6-4,230), he’s a LW (only Smythe on roster shoots left), has speed for big man, he’s gritty (PIM up there) with a net presence. Proto 3rd line LW. Fro was cheap 1st liner or better 2nd liner, miscast here for years. More must be coming, as this club is not better at this moment. Need more goals & vet D-man. Gagne was/is damaged goods, never a consideration..now retired playing in Tampa! Not much on the UFA board left. DL should do a headliner deal for blue chipper scorer or vet Dman. Kovy is gone now! Unless NHL wins Arb case. All bets off if that happens! September is around the corner, can’t sit and wait for a maybe!
[Reply]
Does anyone remember the below interview Rich got with Frolov during one of the games he was a healthy scratch…THIS IS WHY FRO IS NO LONGER A KING. Can you say lack of passion?
Question: Did the coaches give you a clear understanding of why you’re not playing tonight?
FROLOV: “Well, it was Terry’s decision. He told me I’m out of the lineup tonight, I guess because I didn’t play well in the last games.’’
Question: That was the reason they gave you?
FROLOV: “Yeah.’’
Question: Did you have a reaction to that at all?
FROLOV: “Well, there’s nobody that wants to be scratched, but it was his decision. He’s the head coach and I have to respect it. It doesn’t matter if I agree or disagree with it. It’s just, I have to do my job and work hard and try to do my best.’’
Question: He had said that you didn’t really have a response at all. Is that so? Do you feel comfortable talking to him in those situations?
FROLOV: “I don’t know. It was just his decision for tonight. I think we’re going to talk more later on, tomorrow or later.’’
Question: Do you feel like you need to talk to him about things, bigger issues?
FROLOV: “Well, I don’t know. Probably we have to. I know I’m going to try hard and try to do my best.’’
Question: Are you disappointed or upset, or any specific emotions?
FROLOV: “Of course. You’re always upset when you don’t play. You want to be there and play, and play as much as you can. So of course you’re upset if you’re not playing and you’re scratched. It’s not good, no doubt about it.’’
Question: Did you talk to teammates at all today, or just sort of let it go?
FROLOV: “Not really. When something like this happens, it’s kind of part of the game.’’
Question: Do you remember ever being a healthy scratch before?
FROLOV: “Not really. It’s been a long, long time. Maybe my first year, a couple times.’’
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Dan H. Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 4:09 pm
@Cry Baby,
So if he said “This is BS! The coach is a hypocrite and doesn’t sit Jones for all of his turnovers that lead to goals like this!”
then he’d still be here?
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Cry Baby Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 8:02 pm
@Dan H., Comparing apples to oranges…Jones has the potential to be a 5-6-7 D-man while Fro has the talent to be an elite NHL forward.
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P-O-N-I-K-A-R-O-V-S-K-Y….I bet Bob Miller is already practing the pronunciation of his last name.
One thing this off-season has proven is that nobody knows sh**….not me, not you…so lets just all save our breath and comment about the Frolov/Poni comparisons after the season is complete. Most of you wanted Frolov gone last fall anyways, so just let it go.
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Wat? Raitis not play King uniform no more? Raitis not know this kind math.
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Of course everyone knows what number he wears ….. right. Maybe there’ll be a shootout in camp between him and Brownie to see who gets 23.
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I think he as good as you can get for now on LW and at least he shows up 100% at about 75 games a year. Poni has some off nights, but not as much as Fro.
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Who cares….
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Poni’s no slug. He’s no Fro either.
I wouldn’t have minded having both.
Fro’s next season will definitely make us regret his loss.
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Coining the phrase: Well I hate to be a disappointing Dean.
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I’ll be stoked as soon as Poni buries the first break away he gets.
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Puckin-A Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
@Gary Livingston, um be prepared for disappointment, he is known for his inability to finish.
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Gary Livingston Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 4:26 pm
@Puckin-A,
So, he really is just like Frolov in that sense.
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Puckin-A Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 4:35 pm
@Gary Livingston, Although I am a huge Frolover (HAHA) I will agree on that. That is his downfall, his shot is soft.
Anonymous Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 7:08 pm
@Puckin-A, You say Ponikarovsky shot is “soft” or am I misreading your statement??? Funny but I thought I seen him beat Bryz above the top of the circle with a wrist shot last season. That is in no way “Soft” and you need to go look at some of the vids on goals he’s scored.
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Chiming in:
This is a lateral move…of sorts. I’m actually very OK with it. Not overjoyed at the price, but happy Fro has been replaced with a 2 way player.
Look at it this way:
The Money: We added 300K to the cap hit. Hardly gonna cry over it. I don’t think Poni is worth 3.2, more like 2.2, but OK.
The Goals: We lose about 10-15 more goals a year with Poni over Fro. Seems like a lot, right? Well did anyone ever consider the goals CAUSED by Frolov’s lack of defense? I truly believe we took a nice step up here. TM preaches the two way game. Look how impactful Kopitar was when he played 200 ft instead of just the O-Zone. Poni plays the same way. He may not have Fro’s offensive skill, but he’s going to prevent a lot of the breakouts teams would have because Fro couldn’t get back and play d-. I’ll take the two-way play over Fro’s 10 extra goals because I think the overall gain would be in our favor with less goals against.
Size: Fro is 6′ 2″ 204lbs. Poni is 6′ 4″ 220lbs. Poni is bigger AND faster than Fro. It’s a definite upgrade. Poni plays MUCH bigger than Frolov. Heck, my DAUGHTER plays bigger than Frolov, but I digress.
Overall, this is an UPGRADE, although I believe we overpaid. It is a lateral move in some ways, or so it seems, but I think in Terry Murray’s system, this will be an upgrade. I think the top 9 will roll like this (If Stoll doesn’t get traded for scoring, he could be replaced by Schenn I think):
Smyth – Kopitar – Williams
Parse – Stoll – Brown
Poni – Zeus – Simmer
Richardson can play anywhere a hole presents itself for whatever reason. With Richie on the 4th line, we could roll 4 every night and the 4th line could take 12 minutes a game, easy. Maybe:
Clune/Clifford – Schenn/Richie – Westgarth/Richie
Options are GOOD. Just adding Poni makes us faster AND bigger AND more of a two way team. His downside is the hands and scoring. If he’s crashing the net more, that may fix itself. It’s on Poni obviously and I have a better feeling he will do much more to prove himself than Frolov will in New York.
I think Fro will TANK in NY. He’ll be out shopping with Avery during those ‘Optional’ practices. I think the Ranger fans are going to be pissed by the end of the season at the Fro deal.
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Puckin-A Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
@Cynic, he was a minus on the Pens top line so how is better at D than Frolov again?
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Cynic Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 4:34 pm
@Puckin-A,
Matt Barry just did a blog to answer your question.
Over the past five seasons:
Poni averaged 21 goals
Frolov averaged 25 goals
Over the past 4 seasons:
Poni was a +5 on a VERY bad team
Fro was a -5 on a bad team
I believe that’s how.
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Puckin-A Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
@Cynic, I guess. Well was looking at both players career stats and Frolov puts up points more consistently and was a plus 17 a few years back. I guess I need to watch Poni over a full season. Just really liked Frolov and his puck possession and his take away skills in the offensive and nuetral zones.
Steve McQueen Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 4:32 pm
@Cynic, well said. I really hope he does well, but in his 7 years with the King I just don’t see his game changing enough to say “that’s the Frolov we wish we still had”
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King John Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 7:01 pm
@Cynic,
I like the lines. I’ve been a Parse fan since he came up, but he’s really going to have to step it up to claim 2nd line left wing. He does have sniper-like ability but needs to improve his puck retention skills. Otherwise he will end up on the 4th line or not playing at all. I hope they give him a shot. Still, he may not be ready to score a lot of goals so we still probably need to add a top scorer.
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1. Anyone who says somethings to the effect of, “You couldn’t get Kovy so this is Plan B?!?!?! ahahah” should get slapped upside the head.
2. You need Hooked on Phonics if you can’t pronounce Ponikarovsky. In fact, it’s pronounce EXACTLY as it’s written.
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Dersu Uzala Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 5:43 pm
It’s written Понікаровський and it’s pronounced Ponikarovski.
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Good player to pair with Zeus and Simmer on 3rd line. Now we still need a 1st line LW. Maybe swing a deal for Havlat.
Havlat/Kopitar/Brown
Smyth/Schenn/Richardson
Poni/Zeus/Simmonds
Parse/Stoll/Williams
Doughty/Johnson
Hickey/Scuderi
Voynov/Greene
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Poni stats in the upcoming season
Goals 23
assists 35
points 58
games 77
If plays on the PP sometimes and does not play lower then the 3rd line.
thata just mt feeling on Poni this season
Just my feeling on Poni this coming season
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Well, as I had expected, as soon as I told my son about Frolov signing with the NYR, his eyes welled up and he asked if he can like the NYR?
Frolov will be missed in my household!
Good luck, Frolov.
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Puckin-A Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 4:32 pm
@miracle.on.manchester, I really feel his pain. I am like a 35 year old version.
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I’m 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, and I know what my game is,” Ponikarovsky said. “I have to use my size and basically go hard to the net—take the puck there, protect the puck in the corners and finish my checks, all the basic stuff that a guy my size has to do, along with scoring some goals and helping my team win.”
Hopefully he keeps his word.Sounds good for 3rd line
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Poni is one of the few FA i wanted the Kings to be interested in, so i am pleased of course. unless a proven top 6 forward is brought in(i dont see it), Poni would play on the 2nd line for me, and fill in on the top line if needed.
i always liked Fro, but the writing was on the wall he wasnt coming back.
the Kings have no shot at bringing in Kaberle, besides Brown, who would Burke possibly want?
Burke is not going to make a deal until he gets exactly what he wants(proof is no deal has happened yet).
BTW, being in Sabres country, all i can say is i would Never want Vanek. 7 Mil for another 4 years Yikes!!!!
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Why is everyone putting this guy on the 3rd line???? Every place he’s played he’s been on the top two lines!! We’ll see who’s who between him and J. Willy come camp.
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If Frolov makes the break-a-way against Vancouver, we win Round 1 of the playoffs. I’m still bitter.
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Fro has some of the best puck control in the game, but he just doesn’t seem to know when to let it go. I honestly hope he has an amazing year, and maybe learns to check a bit more. Either way, I see this working well on both sides.
Do not want over-priced Kovalchuk – rather have Kariya, or maybe even Tkachuk.
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I agree with the poster above who came up with the “Klatt” II designation.
What a pathetic offseason. I am not taking anything away from Poni -it’s not HIS fault. He simply lacks the talent that I hoped for.
20 goal scorers are a dime a dozen in the league. It seems like an appropriate amount of money, but does it really make the team that much better?
Or is it a stop-gap?
I thought we were done patching holes?
Good thing we put Frolov on ice for a few years?
Hope Frolov wins big in NYC, we will never see him in the black and silver again.
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Been ages since i felt the need to dust the cobwebs off, and climb down from the rafters. I agree, Fro had mad skillz holding down the puck, he used to be great in the corners, but the last little while it just seemed he was more worried about his next Armani suit, or if the grey in his beard made him look too old. I was born in Kiev and lived in many diff Russian communities over the years, we Russians (i know im stereotyping a bit) tend to suffer from ego problems. Fro will be a good fit in NY lots of little Russian enclaves for him to strut his stuff in, and he wont have to travel quite so far to buy expensive clothes, maybe leaving him more energy for the game. Would be nice to see a guy who actually wanted to play for us on the ice.
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