I just talked to Alexander Frolov during the third period. This is the full transcript of the interview. Posting quickly, as I have to get downstairs for postgame soon…
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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.’’
Rich Hammond has covered the Kings, on a full-time or part-time basis, since the 2000-01 season. He previously worked at the Los Angeles Daily News, was the beat writer for the entire John Torchetti era and has witnessed Bob Miller singing country music in a Nashville honky-tonk bar.
just have one thing to say
RICH YOU ROCK!!!!!ALL THIS INSIGHT GOODIES WE GET FROM YOU IS JUST FANTASTIC!!!
Well We did much better without him. If sitting out lit a fire, all the better! Great win guys!
Great stuff Rich. Thank you!!
I really hope this is a wakeup call for Frolov. We need him and his production.
I don’t want to see him in a different uni next year, but it’s not looking good right now.
Wow, that sounds like serious denial. He has no idea He’s not even using the interview to set a tone or send a message that he gets it. Just non committal and emotionless. Really disappointing that someone with so much talent can be so disconnected.
Have to agree with you fourtunato. I am not sure he gets it at all.
sounds like his scratch lit a fire under everyone but the one person it was supposed to…
same i agree with you FOURTUNATO…dont see any fire there..i know is jsut an interview but still show some EMOTION DESIRE you want to be back on and prove ppl wrong…but then again if this team is going to be better without him, im all for it. at the end if he is moved is better for him and the organization.
He’s never been a favorite player of TM…he would be a lot better if he was used on a scoring line instead of the stopper line. I’d hate to see Frolov go anywhere, but he is not being used wisely now.
Glad Fro sees the problem is Murray and not himself..Good job Fro on sticking to whats right!
Could it possibly be he doesn’t understand English as well as he speaks it…?
wow. he just doesn’t get it. it is hard to change a culture of a team and harder still with players like him. i wonder what his trade value would be???
What a clown. Pass the buck and don’t take any accountability for your own crappy play. And some of you thought Heatley was not a team player….time for you to go Fro…
Great stuff Rich.
he doesn’t sound too upset. pretty standard answers if you ask me. trying not to say something that will get him in trouble.
Frolov’s has had a good season so far. Only 1 bad game. That’s it. Is the production there? of course not, just look at his linemates.
Once Murray figures out that the 2nd line isn’t doing anything other than rushing the ice, he should slot Frolov where he belongs.
I would also like to know why TM didn’t bench Doughty after his 2 or 3 poor passes that directly resulted in the loss of the first game against Phoenix, or any of the other players who cost the team at inopportune times throughout these losses. It seems he is openly displaying his personal dislike for Frolov.
[...] permalink Frolov interview LA Kings Insider [...]
If this interview truly represents what all previous coaches and GM’s have experienced with him and I have no reason to beleive that it doesn’t, then I am afraid that Fro’s time with the Kings is limited.
As talented as he is, he lacks fire, on a team that needs a bit of fire in their shorts.
If Frolov thinks TM is the problem considering every Kings coaching staff has dealt with this issue with him then he is more lost than I first thought.
Frolov has always been a streaky player for reasons that fans, coaches and GM’s will never understand. He never seems to play to his potential, and we get teased with a flash of brilliance here and there.
I don’t necessarily want to see him traded, although he’ll be an UFA so might be a good idea to get something for him before he walks.
I think TM truly wants to build a competitive team. We don’t know if he will succeed, but accepting mediocre play will not help any.
Does this guy show any emotion? Maybe he needs a translator to emphasize the seriousness of being benched
Oh yeah…one more thing. Is Frolov having problems in his personal life? Might be a factor affecting his play.
I don’t like using two Russian players as examples here, but is Fro like a Zherdev? All talent and zero emotion? I know he’s more of a skill player rather than heart and soul guy, but it’s not as if he doesn’t catch “fire” when he plays. I’ve seen the guy do it. There has to be contributing factor for his inconsistant play. It can’t just be pure laziness.
I don’t know. I still think part of the problem is mis-management/coaching during his training/new player seasons.
This is not a TM issue…it is a Fro issue. He needs to be reprogrammed or something. ZERO PASSION. Trade him!
Unless he is severely downplaying it, I’d say Frolov appears completely at a loss as to what the staff is and has been asking of him.
Frolov being traded is writing on the wall. Has been for several months. I don’t doubt he knows he’s being shopped. As a professional, he should work hard regardless of the situation, not only for the team, but for himself. However, management has turned this from a professional transactions into a personal rebuke on Frolov (who has made no outright allegations to any wrongdoing on behalf of the Kings organization). I would be hard pressed to find the lack of professionalism on behalf of management acceptable to me under similar conditions.
We don’t have a replacement for Frolov currently. We’ll pay him whether he plays or he sits on the bench. Personally, I think we play better with him. If you disagree, you are defending that Ivanans is a better player than Frolov, because management obviously think so. On a team that was bottom rung last year, Frolov was the scoring leader without being on the 1st line for the majority of the year.
There is one comment from DL that just seems like the most ignorant thing I’ve ever heard from a human being. He read War and Peace to gain a better understanding of Frolov. Follow me for a moment here… A novel written in 1869 about the Napoleonic invasion of Russia is going to give you insight about someone born in 1982? That’s like saying “If I read Uncle Tom’s Cabin I’m going to better understand Wayne Simmonds”. The two have no correlation and is an absolute insult to both Frolov and Russians everywhere (Disclaimer: I am not Russian). That anyone can be “figured out” by reading a book is beyond ridiculous.
I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I am claiming to have a lot of questions. There are some real precarious suspects lining up. We have a winning record and I’m not happy. There’s a problem with that.
Well, it just blows my mind we’re talking smack about a 30+ goal-scorer with pure skill like he’s some crappy like Cloutier or someone like that.
I don’t get it. He scores, typically makes decent plays, is a beast on the puck, but he shouldn’t be in the line-up when we have guys like Ivafail playing?
The Kings played good tonight, but it was more Dallas being tired and not having some of their big guns in the line-up.
honestly at this point Fro is disposable … if bringing in other players to make this team better and he still has no passion to win with a better team then its beyond the coach and management. The current regime cant be held accountable for what he has become because he has been in the league for 7 years. If seriously being asked to be better is mishandling or mismanagement then what is. He is completely at a loss still if he thinks he can keep cruising on his play with the way the this team needs to go forward.
Well said Steve Soldo and fortunado. I like Fro as much as anyone, and no one strips a puck like he does. That said, if you can’t muster a little emotion and objectively talk about what you need to do to make your game better, I have to question why you’re out there. Fro has been an enigma his entire career with LA – NO coach has managed to figure out how to motivate him, so I don’t think you can lay that at Terry Murray’s feet. And agree with him or not, DL has always been very consistent in messaging his expectations for this team. He called out Kopi during the off-season, and Kopi took it seriously and did something. Fro’s a big boy…he needs to step up and do the same.
Sorry, JP, but it takes EFFORT to score 30+ goals.
There’s more to the story than what we’re privy too, there’s no noubt about it.
Per Ersberg…
It does take EFFORT to score 30+ goals. Takes a bit more to do it from outside the primary line. Ask Evgeni Malkin who scored only a couple more than Frolov last year.
well is it too much to ask to elevate his game even more to than just scoring 30 goals?? all that is being ask of him is really consistency. hell they even believe he can score more than 30 goals … so if most of you guys are settling for that then thats just sad because most of us actuallyw anna believe that he can be more than what he is now and that if he ever starts being like a star player we wont even be having this discussion now.
Man, are you guys serious? How do you guys come up with this stuff after reading TEXT. For all we know he could have been crying or screaming those words. Well maybe not, but you get what I mean..
Let me repeat this..
FROLOV ONLY HAD 1, I repeat ONE, BAD GAME ALL SEASOn. That was against the Jackets. Drew Doughty and Wayne Simmonds had a worse game against Phoenix. Remember?
Frolov playing the 3rd line, feeling ill, made ONE BAD PASS, now you’re all drinking the koolaid, saying we should ship him out?
Are you guys on the payroll?
Rich,
ask TM if he is willing to try and put Fro on the 2nd line and utilize his scoring.
Ah, listen to you guys… First Ersberg has to go? Now Frolov? Who’s next? It’s only been 9 games. WTF??? Just enjoy the win and have a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow’s another day. Let Fro try to work his way out of this before calling for his head, already!
Sheesh, Rich. Keep feeding us scraps like this and we’ll see an LAK lynch mob running through the streets every time TM or DL expresses criticism about a player.
he has played the big minutes and been up and down the 1st and 2nd lines … all they want from him now is to be a better defensive player and be an all around player. why would we want someone with this much skill and potential to be just on dimensional … i really dont get all of you pointing out his scoring because we already know all that. and its not just on ebad game he’s had … tis the lack of passion for the other games as well that is really being questioned and magnified. he is actually a veteran in this group now and he really needs to start showing up to games for more than just what he can offer and actually start being consistently a better player each game and this doesnt just apply to him but to everyone since there shouldnt be any excuses anymore if we want a to be a playoff team.
I want know why 7 years….if you have a bad relationship for 7 years…GET OUT!!!!
I don’t get it myself. The guy ihas been a consistent 30 goal scorer, a fan favorite, and has expressed in interviews how he only wants to play with the kings and how special it would be to make the playoffs as a king. He has a bad game and we all turn on him?
Of course he’s not going to unprofessionaly go though the media about problems with his coach… Just as Murry shouldn’t have done. Also don’t misinterperate his stock answers of “I have to do better” as more “loafing” as some would have it. He’s probably more focused on giving an answer that at least makes sense in english.
I’m not saying Murray and DL’s complaints arn’t valid because I am certainly no more “in the know” than any of the rest of us but the Kings certainly didn’t make this kind of issue out of it when he was locked up for cheap scoring 30 goals from the the third line in the past. How many of you are still Cammy fans?
i so bummed, dejected and upset over frolov…
he’s been my favorite player on the kings for years…
but everything that’s been said by everyone tonight…positive and/or negative about fro…well…it’s all true…
and i don’t have any answers…i’ve tried so hard to believe in him and his abilities…and i still do…
i’ve seen them…we’ve all seen them…and you start to wonder about all the possibilities and all the potential this guy has…
but it’s not going to happen here…not in l.a…and not as a king…
t.m. & d.l.’s comments about their thoughts on fro say it all…and fro’s lack of comments say soooooo much more…
i guess we should all wait for tomorrow and see how the aftermath develops…
but this really, really, really, really, sucks…for us fans, for the kings and for alexander frolov…
I must agree with house burning on this one….
JP Martin,
You need to start watching the games more carefully, because you said, “he has played the big minutes and been up and down the 1st and 2nd lines …”
No he hasn’t!
Smyth – Kopi – Williams
Purcell – Stoll – Brown
Those guys are the top 2 lines. Fro hasn’t had a lick with them!
“Lack of passion”???
Which line was dominant during our 4 game winning streak?
That’s right, it was Frolov – Zus – Simmonds
And Frolov was a big reason why they were winning.
Who has been the Kings best winger in the last couple of years? That’s right, its been Frolov.
The enigmatic russian is an excellent 30-30 player. Yet the coaches/management expect him to be 40-40, and when he’s not on that 40-40 pace, they get mad at him!
All i can say is Fro is one of the better goal scorers on our team. The last few years he has been misused and on a checking line and still leads the team in goals. The 2nd line needs someone who can put the puck in net. Why not put Fro on that line and put Purcell on 3rd line. Maybe then Fro will show some excitment. And you clowns who want to get rid of him should be Duck fans!
Frolov is a good player and a proven goal scorer. Amazing to me that anyone could talk about moving him given our second line is really a third line, and Simmonds and Handzus will be lucky to score 30 goals between them. No idea why he is in everyone’s dog house, but time to let the dog out…..
Wasn’t Frolov one of the guys who was sick for the game against Columbus?
im talking about the span of 6 years … counting this is his 7th year … this season is expected of him to get to the next level … you mean to tell me that he has reached his ceiling?!?!? well in all honesty and everyone could agree on this that its a glass ceiling and he needs to break through and throw in some emotion , passion and heart there then hell i will worship him.
WWAMD,
Guess you were embelishing when you said Murray scratched him 3 games last year huh?….. Just saying
if any of you spoke Russian and lived in Russia and read his interview you’d realize that he DOES understand and he just expresses himself in a russian form which comes off arrogant to american audience.
How do you expect him to have a break through season and get to the next level playing along side Simmons and Zeus. How many goals do you think Smyth would have playing with them?
WWmad, House burning, And a few others , I’m with you.
What a disgrace to bury a player that has put more goals in the net than anybody on this team. I am shocked at the amount of blame put on this guy. Top scorer regulated to the 3rd line and everyone blames him, in the front office, the coach and now here because the team stinks it up for a few.
This is our scapegoat?
What a bummer.
variable said it best. These kind of situations don’t usually end well with DL.
This is the coach sending a message to the GM as much as anything else. The GM got the message and backed up his coach.
And then the team backed everybody up.
Put Frolov in a position to succeed, put him on a scoring line. Not a checking line. Not in the press box. It is simple. No need for the drama.
The genius that is Terry Murray.
Hammond, they aired your questions tonight on NHL on the Fly. . . might not be the best press for you but press none the less.
Thanks for all the work you do!
JP-
“well is it too much to ask to elevate his game even more to than just scoring 30 goals??”
No offense, but are you kidding me? The Kings need every goal they get.
I understand why he was benched for this game, I get it. If he’s consistantly benched, then it’s just a bad call by the coaches. He’ll find his game again.
You have to let the pros get through their bad times without the need to bench them.
WARNING KINGS FANS dont be manipulated by management and the coach this whole situation smells like saving face
Frolov will be traded and become a star with another team. A puck control team like Detroit would love to have him especailly in the playoffs. Putting him on a line with a couple of scoring threats will work wonders. At the end of last season when he was with Kopitar and Williams, that line was great. Not to suggest that Smyth should be moved, but the point is that his game would look a lot better if he was not on a checking line.
Looks like we lose another 30 goal scorer, but of course they are a dime a dozen.
I agree with JR… You don’t bench a player simply because of poor play in a few games. Otherwise, Doughty should have been benched for those mistakes he made… and Ivanans should have been benched for consistently taking bad penalties! It’s only the start of the season for Pete’s sake!!! Plus Fro was one of the players with flu-like symptoms in the last game. Seems to me this issue would have more to do with his supposed attitude… We’re not in the locker room, so we can’t really know for sure. Guess we’ll have to wait and see (fingers crossed). Oh, and I also agree with HBD. We didn’t watch the interview, we READ it. I love Fro (nobody protects a puck like him!), so hopefully he steps up and does SOMETHING!
well he hasnt been benched in every game yet, but it is just the 9th game of the season. i personallyh just think its a way to send a message to fro and the rest of the team that excuses of a bad team is gonna cut it anymore. as i said before, its not the production im really questioning about it … tis his desire and passion to play the game night and night out that really is being questioned. and it really is better that we see these problems now and try to address it. again, every player is accountable for themeselves, but if you arent gona react like a madman after being blasted or even try to make a hustle play durign the same game you are having a bad one then it IS frustrating and a coach has got to do what he has to do. again … fro is a veteran pro now … excuses as to what line he plays shoudlnt be a rpoblem anymore since he has produced even being in the “3rd” line.
no doubt FRO wont be a king after the trade deadline. i think the plan was to hang on to him and see if the fact that this is a contract year for him will help light a fire under his preverbial rear end but apparently it hasnt (i.e. his responses in the interview). as much as i have loved watching frolov score goals for us the truth of the matter is that he could be a 40+ goal scorer but just cannot be consistent. He has had the opportunities in the past on the top line, and the second, and so on. Although his goals will be missed, i am anxious to see what we could get for him. Truth is that i would trade his 30 goals a year for someone who scores 20-25 but actually plays his heart and soul out regardless of the scoreboard.
Frolov wake up already. Your not a rookie any more. You are one of the team leaders on this team. So play like one. Stop being a problem child and show that you are a MAN.
Roger
I agree Roger! Fro Step it up or go! Sorry had to rhyme. Damn you Jack Daniel’s! lol
Fro has been a team issue since last year. Just like I think Sully was. It’s not that they aren’t great players, they just don’t fit with this team. Talent only goes so far. I think TM’s comment about how a player has to love the game says it all. And when other players (like Doughty) mess up, you don’t see them smiling on the bench. They take it seriously and correct it. I think the team reaponded with their win tonight. All for one or get out of the way…
Do you believe in momentum? Do think that can carry over from game to game?
I’m sure you do and if you do then blame TM for putting EE in net in New York.
JQ was on a streak and we go into New York to play one of the hottest teams in the league and TM puts in our back up? Detroit was cold and would have been a much better CHOICE TM to play EE to make his début. Ersberg was cold and if he had a bad game it would have been much easier for replace EE in Detroit.
This was a bad decision by the coach. What’s his punishment? What’s his punishment for making a bad decision every game by playing Fro on the 3rd line?
I’m not taking Fro’s side but what’s fair is fair. Fro has no heart for this team. He possesses true talent but fails to use it or to allow it to be counted on. I don’t believe it can be fixed. It’s just who he grown to become because it has been allowed for 7 years per TM. The mistake the Kings made was going public and lowering his trade value.
Not a Terry Murray fan, he is way too passive. If he lit a fire under everyone to start with, Fro wouldn’t have been put in this situation. TM is to blame on this one for LA’s recent slump. Fro is a proven talent and needs to be on top 2 lines to produce. Simmonds isn’t quite there yet and Handzus with his size should do more around the net. But more than anything, this is probably a bigger message to the rest of the team to WAKE the F up and start playing. Fro is not the outspoken type and handled the interview well, no need to set off anything through the media and cause alarm in the locker room. He’s already said, he has to keep working hard and play better. Lastly, it’s Kopi’s team now, but don’t forget what Fro meant to the team prior. He’s dealt with alot through those miserable years. Just let him play.
Hopefully this will get read as it’s late… I purposely waited until the game was over and got to read all the comments before I made any posts.
If this interview doesn’t convince people that Frolov is either a) clueless, b) egocentric, or c) passive on being an NHL player, then when Frolov gets traded, and he will, I want all those fans who keep harping on about it being EVERYONE elses fault but Fro’s to go and become fans of the team he gets traded to. I’m not talking about the fans who have a genuine confusion about Fro, I’m talking about the one’s Quisp is mentioning. Nothing will change your minds, not even the truth from the horses mouth. Fine. Prove your loyalty and LEAVE WITH FRO. I’ll support you 100%. You’ll have my respect.
As far as the game tonight, O’d said it best, we beat ourselves in those games. That must mean we’re doing a lot of things right. Bob Miller seemed to think so too because as we were busy DOMINATING the 2nd period, at the end Bob mentioned that the Kings have been playing that way a lot during this road trip, and that small mistakes have cost us games. That 2nd period gave me the feeling that this team can turn it on any time they want to. They turned it off in the third to protect the lead and went with defensive, safe plays. Once they develop the confidence in the fact that they CAN do these things at will, WATCH OUT! That is EXACTLY what Detroit does and it drives teams CRAZY! It is coming folks. Say whatever you want, but good times are a comin’ if we continue down this road.
Oh yeah, without Fro. I want Fro here, but only if he’s gonna bring it like Ryan Smith. Otherwise, grab yer chess set and Versace thongs and shuffle on to Buffalo.
Shoutouts:
Raitis Ivanans: For not taking any penalties and playing within the system. He did a decent job. Not stellar, but solid. NOTICE he was NOWHERE on the ice in the 3rd period. Some reward by TM, eh doubters?
Davis Drewiskie: Kind of a bad game for Davis. He took a few bad penalties, but he did make some good plays as well. I’ve seen much better games from him. There was one pass where he was behind the net where he looked panicked, passed the puck along the boards, and turned it over in the D- zone. Maybe he tought he was being followed.
Brad Richardson: He was Johnny Hustle tonight. AGAIN! Stripped the puck a few times, caused some turnovers, good forecheck. I’m liking the new BR. Starting to solidify that 4th line. I can tell he LOVES playing with Smyth. Cracks me up when he’s on the ice with him, his stride looks like he’s got an open breakaway in pee-wee. Just trying SO hard to make something happen with Ryan. Nice work!
Wayne Simmonds: came BACK! Good to see you buddy! How was your vacation? The fam doin OK? Solid game my friend and I’m stoked you got rewarded tonight. You deserved it! 4th star, unsung hero.
The entire 1st line: NAILS! Pure NAILS! That o-zone control in the 2nd before Kopi’s goal was even MORE amazing than the one cycle earlier in the trip where I counted about 10 passes. I think this one was MORE and was incredible to watch.
The post: You played like a symphony tonight. More notes than a Slayer song. 7 dinks. You almost got the scale tonight (8 notes).
Jarrett Stoll: You had a great game tonight. Much better than what we have been seeing out of you, Tons of energy, forecheck, jumping into plays, working hard, faceoffs. Great to see. Don’t stop, keep working hard.
That’s all I got. Great win in a tough situation. Fro, pull your head out. Your team NEEDS you!
I think Dean Lombardi has made it clear that there are some things more important than the number of goals you score. Character matters on this team.
We don’t know all the specifics of the frustrations Dean and Terry have with Frolov, but I trust that their concerns are justified. Why? Because the one thing this team has shown so far this season is “compete”. Dean has put together of team of guys that want to win, and Terry has them playing as a solid unit. If they feel Frolov isn’t pulling his weight, I think he should be benched. Obviously, the goal is to see Frolov perform at his highest level. That would benefit us even if he is eventually traded.
Great post Cynic!! btw when is your next book out. lol But man that post should be on the Kings main page!
I hope that’s not the Jack Daniels talkin’ Kris..
I know, I’m long winded, but my mind moves a mile a minute and I type all day. It just becomes natural. Thanks for the compliment!
Matt – Well said! I hear Jim Fox in my head when I read that first sentence. LOL
Frolov would rather wear designer clothes and sip lattes. The difficult thing is who’d replace him? Even with his half-ass effort, he’d still get ya about 20 goals.
CYNIC…
i 100000000000% agree…:)
i can’t say it any better…
heck…
can anyone say anything else at this point re: fro…???
something’s gotta give…and it will (!)
kinga4quenns… you just made a valid point when you said Fro is a problem just like you think Sully was… DL has made a point hinting to us that players are problems when he knows hes going to move a fan favorite. What did Sully, Cammi, or now Frolov do wrong that you saw other than what was suggeted to you through the media by management? Im a huge fan of DL and where he is taking this team , and I’m not saying these moves wern’t best for the team… But I think he does have a way of twisting things before hand so that by the time he makes a deal we have been convinced for a month already.
I think Fro is too respectful. Most people are taught, “If you do NOT have anything nice to say, DON’T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL”!
What is he supposed to say when the coach says, “I’m benching you”? Is he supposed to say, “Please No. Give me one more chance.”? No he took it like a man & said he will try his best next game!
TM is very two-faced. Tonight RS blatantly turned the puck over & it lead to the the Dallas goal. Did Tm bench him? Did TM demote him to 3rd line? No TM kept playing RS on the 1st line & gave him a chance to redeem himself. Also a couple games ago RS took a couple stupid penalties with NO repercussions either.
Am I bashing RS? No, I’m simply saying TM should treat his players the with same consequences.
TM…please use someone else as your example & Give FRO A CHANCE on the limited scoring 2nd line!
Frolov has been playing like this for many years, this is not his first year playing with Kings, this is not his fault. This is TM’s, he was the top scorer last year, but he doesn’t deserve to play in the top 2 lines. If he doesn’t play in the top line, how can he score like last year? And TM complained about his performance.
If Fro got benched when he played bad, then will TM bench himself when we lost when he changed lineup after losing a game?
Remember how the Lakers was after Shaq was traded? Could Kobe do anything with help? Why doesn’t he put Justin Williams in the checking line?
and it kills me to say it because he’s been my fave player on the kings for years…
but it’s all but over…unless fro has the same drop of oil that kept the menorah lit for eight days…
but in his case, he’s gonna need to keep it lit for nine…and that probably won’t be enough to save him…
I think Fro need to go so he can win Stanly cup
“but it’s all but over…unless fro has the same drop of oil that kept the menorah lit for eight days…”
Dude…now that’s comedy GOLD! ROTFL
(Thumbsup)
Mad props to you Rich. This has been a groundbreaking road trip for hockey journalism. The quotes from Coach Murray today were reverberating from the front page of TSN to the lead story on the NHL TV channel.
Getting the words right from the horse’s mouth in the heat of the battle has given us some insight into the goings on in the offices and behind the scenes even with a touchy situation like this.
And now the exclusive interview from the other side of the conflict.
EXCELLENT reporting.
I wrote an article / analysis on the Frolov situation on lakingsnews.com
The Kings need to figure out what they want from him. I don’t buy the “more”. What the hell does that mean? If you expect Frolov to be a different style player, then expect disappointment.
Oops. The link did not appear. http://www.lakingsnews.com.
Sorry about that.
Rich,
Tell Murray that if he plays Frolov where he belongs like on a scoring line, maybe he can efficiently utilize his talents and take advantage of them rather than putting him on a role where he doesn’t belong! PLEASE!
I’m fine with TM’s descision to sit Frolov. However, I now completely disagree with his original descision to put Fro on the shutdown line (the “3rd” line). He is far too talented for that line, and it’s not like he’s the final piece of the puzzle for that line either. The Handzus line is good becuase of Handzus and Wayne, not Frolov. Purcell could be slotted in on that line, and Frolov should replace Teddy on the second line. That way, Fro has more talented players (brownie and stoll) to work with, and maybe then we’ll see results. If not, THEN let the trade talks begin. In the end, I think that this guy, while inconsistant, is a valuable asset and should be given an extension if he steps up his play. That said, TM needs to give him better people to work with.
Yeah Rich, tell Murray how he should coach this team dammit. lol. Come on Sam.
Forgot to add that i would have liked to see a little bit more of a response from Fro. Maybe it’s just hard to extract the emotions from his words, but he’s doesn’t seem to be passionate about the issue…then again, i guess i shouldn’t have expected otherwise.
and THANK YOU RICH!
I had to stop reading about fifteen posts with all the Fro BLASPHEMY!
I FEEL LIKE I’M TAKING CRAZY PILLS!
I’m amazed at how fast people band wagon on the trade Fro front. He was our best forward last year and still never got top line minutes. Has a bad game while ill and throw him to the wolves.
You don’t make it to the NHL having “zero emotion”. Personally I feel we all vary from person to person with the way we express ourselves. A lot has to do with different backgrounds, culture and upbringings.
12:30 remaining in the first period against Dallas, Richardson makes the same exact mistake that Frolov made against Columbus, a pass to the weakside point in the offensive zone, intercepted by the opposition. Does this “unacceptable” play by Richardson mean that he will be scratched next game?
Why is Teddy Purcell, a guy that has proven nothing at the NHL level, handed a spot in a top six role, while Frolov, a proven NHL goal scorer, is being treated like a rookie?
Anyone notice that Williams was moved off the point on the first powerplay unit? Although, he did see a shift on the point during the unsuccessful 5 on 3. Other than that it was a combination of Stoll, Doughty, and Johnson the whole night. In fact, Johnson played the entire two minutes of the first powerplay of the game.
Interesting that all of the talk from Terry Murray is about what Frolov needs to do differently. Meanwhile he quietly makes changes to glaring weaknesses to the powerplay after games of futility. Murray seems to pick and choose the mistakes that he wants to talk about, eh Rich?
Regarding Frolov not having a reaction when TM benched him, how was he supposed to react? If he gets mad and starts a shouting match, he’s a cancer in the locker room. If he whines and complains, he’s a crybaby. If he says “fine by me” he’s not dedicated to the team and winning games.
If you ask me, no reaction was the perfect reaction. It was Terry Murray’s decision. He had to live with it and he did.
I don’t get some of you…Fro is probably our best two-way player. Yes, he does have the occasional bad game, but name one player who doesn’t. We have an abundance of players who rarely contribute, so what is the problem with Fro? As far as the supposed attitude coming from the interview transcript, I hear a guy who is respectful of the coach, who has heard what he was supposed to hear and is saying that he needs to step up. How anyone can determine his mindset from the transcript is beyond me. Listen, we have trouble scoreing goals, he is one of our biggest threats (when placed in a postion where he actually can score). Why some of you think he needs to be run out of town on a rail is ridiculous. However, Coach Murray needs to figure this out before we lose a player that we need to have in the lineup. Thanks Rich, your work is excellent!
Cynic-
I’m not seeing anything posted by Quisp here.
As far as your post goes.
What fans Quisp is mentioning? Hm? Are you referring to people like myself that have been fans since the ’70’s that are tired of the same rhetoric we see year in and year out?
You’re naive if you think everything posted by TM is all the information needed to discern Frolov’s situation. He’s obviously a passive player, which is why he’s being singled out by coaches.
Just because a player doesn’t play with emotion doesn’t mean he can’t be effective. Again, the proof is out there available for anyone to see. He consistantly scores 20+ goals a season, that’s his job. They’ve been trying to make him something he’s not, so that’s Frolov’s fault? Having a coach trying to transform sand into rock is pathetic. Let him play his game.
And I’ll leave when I’m damn good and ready. Just because some of us fans don’t wear rose colored glasses, doesn’t make us any less of a fan than you.
Guys, I know and you know that there have been some players on the team that have been given a pass on their miscues and the majority have been the young guys, Fro isn’t a young guy as we know but some of his miscues shouldn’t be happening and what I think TM and DL are trying to get across is on “heads up play not just scoring”. I haven’t heard or read that Fro isn’t scoring enough, all I have seen and read about is on his lazy passes. All I heard from certain bloggers here before the season, was there aren’t any numbers on the lines, so now that the season is underway, why are you all using numbers?? What if Fro, Simmonds and Zus line had 30 points, would you call them the #1 line??? It’s all in who you are playing with and the talent level. It isn’t Fro’s scoring, it’s his “awareness” and responsibility when he’s on the ice.
Ersberg,
You say, “Just because a player doesn’t play with emotion doesn’t mean he can’t be effective”. And I agree, but when said player wants to make $5 million per year and does have ANY leadership skills or a high level of compete there is bound to be some issues. Fro needs a fire lit under his ass, he needs to care about winning.
Gotcha, so when was Murray going to publicly lash out at Brown’s lack of game? Or Kopitar’s? Or any of the players that slacked off last/this season?
I’m only seeing Frolov getting the public humiliation.
Wow man its like he has no emotion. Thats a bummer because i really like Frolov when he is playing well. I really cant believe that interview. Well hopefully he steps up and plays to his potential so he doesnt get booted. Good Win last night though
Guys- What bandwagon to trade Fro? Not enough time? Are you F-n SERIOUS?!?! 7 Years isn’t enough time?
I don’t want to trade Fro, but I don’t want a guy who doesn’t care on this team. Fro’s response to all this shows me he doesn’t care. Rich had to literally DRAG any emotion out of him with his questioning. WHY?!?!
The only valid point I’ve seen here is ‘Coach’s’ take on the possibility that Fro is being TOO respectful here. The lack of emotion could be a sign of respect. I don’t think so, but I don’t know and this take is a possibility.
Quisp’s comments were in another thread. Most people read his comments so I didn’t bother to point it out. Maybe that was my mistake, but people here are smart enough to understand what I mean.
They are also smart enough to understand that I’m not telling anyone they HAVE to leave, just that I will simply support them 100% if they CHOOSE to leave and go with Fro. I’m seeing some who seem to have more devotion to Fro than the team here, so I made that point. Just an opinionated observation so ease up.
As far as Richardson goes, That is the first thing I thought of and I cringed like hell. I’m sure he got an earful at the bench, but the camera didn’t show it and I wasn’t at the game, so I don’t know. Maybe Rich can ask Richardson about that play and if he received ear treatment for it.
I would like to point out however that anyone comparing the level of Richardson’s play to what the level of Frolov’s play should be as equals should probably have their heads examined. Fro is a 7 year vet in the NHL AND (Allegedly) a top 6 forward. Richardson is still a hair’s length above John Zeiler on the depth chart with 2-3 years in the league. In other words, if Richardson makes that play, I’m pissed but he’s a 4th liner. If Frolov makes that play, I’m like WTF? He’s a top 6 and 7 year vet! He should know better. The pay scale does that to expectation levels of players.
Ersberg,
I am not referring to the play itself. I am referring to this interview as being a sign that Fro has no drive to win. The only knock that the Kings management has publicly discussed is that he has no drive to be the best he can be. This interview captures that sentiment perfectly.
Can he play hockey…yes. Can he score…sure. Can he be a catalyst to take the Kings to the next level. NO WAY. Come playoffs the Kings do not need a guy that is not able to elevate his game (Emotion).
Fro needs to be hungry and that simply is not his personality. So in my opinion he needs to go. I do not think the Kings should pay someone 5-6 million a year that cannot be leader or muster up enough emotion to be pissed off at being scratched.
Ersberg said: “Just because a player doesn’t play with emotion doesn’t mean he can’t be effective.”
This is one of the reasons why we have a losing culture in this town when it comes to hockey. I know we are laid back here in LA, but traditionally, we also LOVE to win. How, pray tell, does one do that without emotion? Seriously, you are dead wrong here.
Alexander Frolov is to the Kings as Benoit Benjamin was to the Lakers. All talent, no heart.
I WILL NOT support heartless players no matter how good they CAN be.
I don’t think any of you know Fro or are qualified to say Fro doesn’t play with heart. Quiet and shy demeaner is often read as cold or heartless and if you’ve watched or listened to any of his interviews, he’s not a good communicator, be it the language or just being quiet. I think you are mistaken if you believe putting him on the third line is going to produce lots of goals. Look at the very brief time he was on a line with Kopitar last year……scoring magic, but they wanted to “spread the scoring around”. How do you all feel when your boss doesn’t appreciate the job you do?
Is it absolutely necessary that the Kings have 23 guys who wear their emotions on their sleeves? Is there any group of 23 people where everybody is always emotional, rah rah and stuff? I think that would probably lead to a lot of conflict among people because you’d have a bunch of type A personalities trying to assert themselves to be the leader of the group. Also, with Lombardi expecting Frolov to be a 40-goal scorer this year, how does he expect to do that when he’s put on a checking line? Off the top of my head, I can’t hink of anybody who has scored 40 recently and has played on a checking line. Pleas correct me if I’m wrong, but most players even on a top scoring line don’t score 40 goals.
DON!
you are a true kings fan and i agree with you 100%, one of the shortest posts in here that says the most. Kings fans knockin Fro like this should just convert to ducks fans because they obviously have not watched and appreciated what this guy has done for our team over the last 7 years. this seriously disgusts me, this guy has stuck with a terrible kings team for the past how many years and has never complained or demanded a trade like most selfish star players would. GIVE ME A F’ING BREAK PEOPLE!
I think it’s funny how many people don’t get it just like Frolov. The guy was benched because you need your top players playing like top players. Last year when Ryan Smyth burned DD, DD knew he messed up and went back out and got that one back. He showed emotion and passion and desire. Frolov is vanilla. It’s what you get when you can’t decide on anything else. It’s plain and boring just like Frolov. BUT, if you put toppings on it, it can be great. Frolov – go get some toppings! He’ll never have the emotion and desire that AO has. He’ll never score 40. Frolov is the guy that always has a monotone voice and face. Are you happy – ‘yes’, are you sad – ‘yes’, are you angry as hell – ‘yes’, is this the happiest moment of your life – ‘no’ ALL WITH NO CHANGE TO HIS VOICE OR FACIAL EXPRESSIONS.
Why did you get benched? Coach made a decision. FAIL! Try: I played like crap and that isn’t good enough for me. I have to bring my ‘A’ game and lead by example!
Just because a player doesn’t wear his heart and/or emotions on his sleave doesn’t mean:
1) He is without emotion.
2) Cannot elevate his game.
Again, those on the opposite end of my view points(Wave, Cry, Cynic), a goal-scorer is iced to provide GOALS.
There are many goal-scorers in this league that are far from perfect when it comes to a defensive game, in which case Frolov is much better at then some of those players.
Frolov does not wear an “A” or “C” on his jersey. Should he provide some leadership? Perhaps, but he’s not that type of a player. Leaders lead. He’s not one, so again, LET HIM DO HIS JOB!! He’s a GOAL-SCORER!
He’s not Richardson, he’s not Brown, he’s not Kopitar, and he’s certainly not Ivanans, so stop comparing him to those players.
For all of you asking why one bad play or one bad game got Frolov benched, did you not read the interview with coach Murray? This has been an issue for a LONG time. The bad play against Columbus was simply the last straw. He’s tried everything else, so he benched him. Either Fro will get back in the line-up and prove that he can raise his level of play/passion/emotion or he won’t and he’ll be traded. It sucks because we all want to keep Fro, but like many players before him, he may not be able to reach his expected potential (like Storr) or he may need to go elsewhere to do it (like Lang).
For 7 years this gut has givin us 20 + goals and now he is a heartless 3rd line checker who should be playing like Ovechkin according to some. Wow!
Reading these posts sort of makes me wish they would ship him out so he could thrive and show up these dopes in the front office. Players like Frolov dont show up that often.
This team will not be better whithout him.
Wow, I am late to this party. But…
SUMMIT – Frolov asked Lombardi to read War and Peace to better understand the mentality of Russians. Basically, he admitted to being an enigma and offered insight as to maybe why that is. Also, Frolov is a chess player. He was brought up differently.
I have always liked Frolov and hope he turns it around (preferably on the second line, instead of Purcell.)
Fans – don’t bury him. He is what he is. The real problem is that he SHOULDN’T be the Kings goal scoring leader. He should be secondary scoring. Getting a bona-fide No. 1 goal scorer is up to Mr. Lombardi. That is why we ALL were hoping for a Hossa or Gaborik last summer.
Who said anything about “wearing one’s heart on their sleeve?” Nonsense.
You did say, “Just because a player DOESN’T PLAY WITH EMOTION doesn’t mean he can’t be effective.”
You said nothing of HOW the emotion is expressed, you clearly implied the player was DEVOID of it. I simply say I don’t want that type of player on my team.
He can be quiet as a mouse verbally but play with huge emotion on the ice. Many great players are this way. I love those players. If he doesn’t show it on the ice, he’s got no heart. I don’t need to know Fro to make this determination. Just read what TM, DL, and FRO himself said! I’m not saying he’s a bad person, but it’s clear he’s lacking heart to play the game of hockey. Maybe he just doesn’t care about winning.
“Hammond, they aired your questions tonight on NHL on the Fly. . . might not be the best press for you but press none the less.”
It would have been nice if they actually CREDITED him, LAKingsInsider or even LAKings.com for any of the interview that they mentioned. They just acted like the quotes came out of thin air… I guess bloggers don’t need to be cited on television. *shakes head*
for all of you that think his only job is to score then he should do it with what he is given. he isnt exactly a great goal scorer if he cant generate his own even playing with handzus and simmonds since those 2 arent really pure goal scorers than he is, but they are expected to play the defensive aspect of the game and actually score against any top lines they defend on. hell they did it the first 5 games … do their opportunities lessen because he has to actually backcheck?? of course, but thats for him as a player to figure out and create his own space with the great puck handling and possession game he has. he is merely being challenged to actually step up above and beyond than what we know of him. of course he will score goals if he is put with other highly skilled players … even richardson looked great playing with smyth last night but thats what great scorers do, make their teammates look better. bottom line is that he has been put in many different situations and have excelled in them, but does that give him a pass if he makes a wrong play? not really .. it’s his job and its no different now that he is on the supposed 3rd line or 2nd line. i really see this as just accountability on his part … im sure if kopi and brown show the same demeanor as fro does that they will get blasted in the media aswell.
Oh good Lord, splitting hairs.
All I’m suggesting is the guy doesn’t show his emotions such as a guy like Ovechkin does.
That’s it.
Who gives a rats ass if he doesn’t show emotion. He’s a great player. Those asking for his removal should be locked up in a padded cell.
He’s an accomplished goal-scorer. I don’t care what Lombardi/Murray thinks he should be, because what he does for the Kings is 100% more than most of the other players.
If some of you can’t see the value of his tangibles/intagibles, then you’re not watching the guy play.
Cynic I always respect your point of view so I just wanted to ask this…
Is it possible Fro gave the interview on a day he REALLY didn’t want to talk to the press and he was doing his best to not say something that would be used against him by the coaching staff or GM?
JP-
Maybe he shouldn’t be on the THIRD line with Zus and Simmonds?
Games played and goals scored:
2002-03 LA 79 14
2003-04 LA 77 24
2005-06 LA 69 21
2006-07 LA 82 35
2007-08 LA 71 23
2008-09 LA 77 32
Hmm, I think he’s a goal-scorer.
ersberg … thast exactly what management doesnt want anymore … players that are just one dimensional. it seriously wouldnt hurt fro to just bang his stick on the ice when a bad play happens. again, nobody is arguing about his talent and skill … at this point what is wanted from him and any other kings players is to have the hunger and desire to win at this point. im sure he can make handzus and simmonds look like geniuses if he really just applies himself more than expecting the other skilled players to elevate his game. and im not much for shipping him out, but i cant help to think that the younger players see his actions and think that’s ok to make a bad play and just grin about it in the bench. i just believe at this point his actions are just being magnified since he should know better.
JP-
He is so far from one dimensional, it’s beyond the realm of comprehension.
Read between the lines. They want him to score MORE goals and do MORE. That’s the issue.
Did you hear Lombardi’s interview on the Toronto radio station that was posted here?
It was clear as crystal what he wanted from Frolov. He wants more, but that’s not Frolov.
So, we’re going to accept Brown with his lack-luster player and Purcell scoring 10 goals as a 2nd line winger? Give me a break.
Put Frolov back where he belongs, which is on a top line playing with setup guys.
One other thing..
As far as trading Frolov goes, that’s toast.
Murray ruined his value by addressing his “issue” with Frolov in the media.
He’s not Heatley, so he’s not going to garner the compensation us fans think the Kings would get. And with this being his contract year, you can forget it. He’s done, and we’ll see peanuts coming our way in return.
So let me get this straight,
You Fro haters would rather have an “emotional guy” Rather than a 32 goal scorer?
Ha! It pains me to say it but your rooting for the right team if thats your yard stick.
I’ll have to agree with JR, not only did doughtys miscue lead to the late goal but he was left on the ice for the next shift!, i mean frolov hasn’t always had an overly competitive spirit but 30 goal scorers should have linemates with equal talent, why not drop purcel to the third line and teach him to play some defense.
It’s funny you mention Heatley. I don’t think he has any more talent, pure raw talent, than Frolov. The difference? Heatley’s got heart.
Is there anyone in the world that believes Frolov is living up to his potential? No.
It’s this fact that we can all agree on.
what i mean by one dimensional is for players who dont show up every game to do what they have to do. looking past all his accomplishments and skills to booth, he really is underachieving now with a better team in front of him. i personally do agree with wanting more from fro and not settling for all what he has done. its time to move forward, above and beyond what these players are capable of and my perspective is just that he isnt catching up with that concept. it is really time to give other players the chance like purcell to excell since he is another talent that hasnt been exhausted yet like fro’s. fro has great talent and is proven, but he does need to know what his role is int eh team now and thats to be a top defensive forward that is an offensive threat that comes with defensive prowess. i just cant see the actual team moving forward with him coasting liek he has the past 6 years.
as for brown’s lackluster play, well thats really a different story. arguing their role’s and job int eh team are different but with 1 common goal and that is to win. so far brown has showed more fire and with his reactions to wrong doing or bad plays speak louder than fro’s.
and finally, the line combinations are questionable at times, but these are the coach’s decisions and who is really to say that fro, stoll and brown will really light it up. it needs to be experimented, but its not like the scoring has been that bad from teh team. they are just mental breakdowns that really costs us games and i dont argue that we dont have any players to score goals … we actually do have a lot of potential scoring now than before. and i for one like that line of frolov, handzus and simmonds … and we should reallya ccept the fact that frolov needs to respond more and differently to the situation. i seriously dont doubt that Tm will jsut completely ignore sending him to the 2nd line if scoring is needed. but you cant earn it either if you dont show the coach you want to play better and be hungry to score a goal back from what is given up.
Ersberg your on fire brother!
If “on fire” you mean inconsistent, incoherent and contradictory, then yes, he’s on fire baby!
And Ivanans has a jersey on his back, how?
Apparently you put more stock in emotion than accomplishment which I think Ersberg is just pointing out.very consistantly.
By the way I think emotion can be good and can boost the players around you but I still want the 32 goals and I thinh all 3 of us agree on that.
Just keep treating Frolov like trash Murray and Lombardi, and he’ll gladly leave the Kings organization and show you the forty goal scorer that he is elsewhere. Frolov is a goal scorer, an offensive player, no less than a second line player for crying out loud, and Terry Murray has him playing on the checking line? If that isn’t a slap in the face by the Kings organization, I don’t know what is!
Im sorry but frolov will never be any more than 30 goals , he has the beginnings of a cancer in the locker room, and with his contract expiring time to look at what assets can be aquired for him, like they said this hasnt been the first time hes been talked to by other coaches for the same problem, maybe a goaltender coming back our way?
Yet again…If people can’t make points without resulting to personal insults, I will delete and/or ban. Thanks.
Frolov is a VERY smart player! I’m guessing that’s why all you Fro haters dislike him so much. He is definitely an Enigma and here’s why….
He LIKES playing hockey and can score 30 goals a season just being Frolov. He doesn’t LOVE the game or have the passion like the players that come off the farms of Alberta or Minnesota that if they don’t make it in the NHL they go back home to be farmers.
We all know guys like this….Quiet, Stays to himself, Reads, Plays Chess, not your typical hockey player. You’re not going to find him playing in the Kings ping pong tourney. He’s going to put in his 12 or 14 years playing hockey and when he’s done he’ll start up the next GOOGLE and become a billionaire.
BUT THE GUY CAN PLAY HOCKEY!
Pavel Datsyuk Quote:
Who do you think is the most underrated player in the NHL?
I am a very shy person, so I cannot name him. But you can hear that player in your receiver right now talking to you. Alexander Frolov is also very underrated.
kingsfan2316, what evidence do you have of Frolov becoming a cancer in the locker room??? You can make your claim, but you’d better be able to back it up.
Im saying with his contract expiring and playing in a checking role not utilizing his strengths, along with being scratched and having it brought out in the media like it was, that can result to a very unhappy player and with the kings all buying into a new system it can very easily get outta control and cause turmoil amongst the team, yes hes very skilled i agree but look at the heatly situation, this looks very similar
i still dont get why everyone still wonders why frolov may not be playing with 100% effort and heart. think about it, he stepped up big last year doing everything TM asked of him. he played defense, played on the third line most of the season and still contributed 30 goals in that role. if he hasnt earned TM’s respect and also a promotion to playing an offensive role on the first and second line than i dont think there is anything more he can do. im sure he is feeling that no matter what he does he cant get in TM & DL’s good graces. Sorry but anyone that expects a third line player to put up 30 goals is unrealistic. if you put danny heatley on san joses third checking line in the same role as fro (for all you that like to compare to him in earlier posts) i dont think heatley would put up better numbers than fro, in fasct i think he would throw a huge tantrum, kill all his teams chemestry and demand to be traded again. Everyone be realistic!
Kings fans, please!!! None of you know Fro personally. Stop lambasting him about his “lack of emotion” from READING an interview. I’m a big Fro fan, and I admit that it was a horrible turnover he had made. I don’t pretend to know however that the guy “lacks heart” for I don’t personally know him. Everything that you have heard about him being negative is coming from one side. Rich tried to get Fros’ side but he won’t give it up not because he doesn’t care or because he doesn’t get it. He’s a professional, he won’t degrade down to the coachs’ level just to satisfy some of us. He knows that whatever he says in however way he says it is meaningless because it will always be wrong. So why blame him for taking the easy way out and be passive about the whole thing.
One more thing. I’m glad not everybody’s out for a witch hunt on this board. Knowing as much as I know about DL, I know he’s gone by next year, but I’m still not getting on that bandwagon, unless you can get a Ilya for him.
Rich-
Wouldn’t it be prudent to delete the posts that started the insults to begin with?
It would seem logical.
It can result in a very unhappy player, but has it? And even if he is unhappy, might he not have enough professionalism to not express that unhappiness? Why rock the boat when the season has just begun, when you want to play for your next contract, when the team looks as if it could possibly make the playoffs? Don’t tell us that it “can” make him unhappy after you already said that he’s a cancer.
And how does this look similar to the Heatley situation? I don’t recall Frolov demanding a trade. Stick to the facts, man, not your willy-nilly speculations.
I don’t know what managenent wants from Fro. They want him to score 40+ goals? Playing on the 3rd line?!!! It’s not going to happen. He is a good player but he is a 30-35 goal scorer (and if he is playing with good players), which he proves last couple of years. Yes, he made a mistake. So what? Kotpitar made a mistake yesterday and Dllas scored a goal. Doughty made 2-3 mistakes and we lost to Poenix. I don’t remember them being benched. It’s clear, that TM and DM don’t like him. maybe it’s going to be better fo Fro if he would go to another team that will appreciates him more ( for his 30/35 goals and creative plays, not dump and chase).
Rich, would you be willing to post your thoughts on the interview you did with Frolov? Do you think that he just didn’t care about being a scratch, as many people seem to think, or at least the fact that he had a bad game against Columbus?
Im going to get away from the frolov situation and reply to MRK’s remarks about lombardi, ryan smyth? who he gave up very little for is leading in points and heart, hardwork and determination which is bringing this team an identity, rob scuderi?, who has been rock solid which nothing was given up and justin williams who is having probably the best start of his career and has given the kings a #1 line they havent had in a decade which cost them a whole pat osullivan who they dont miss oh and jarret stoll and matt greene which i say thank you dean lombardi!
Dan H-
Thanks for that!
Sure! Fro could have given an inverview on a day he didn’t want to. Someone else mentioned he might have been being TOO respectful in his response to TM. All of these things are possible.
I like the intangible side of hockey. The personalities and things you can’t pin on stats. Reading into Rich’s interview, he literally has to ask Fro multiple questions to get ANY emotion out of him, when that is what was being questioned. Here was his opportunity to tell his side and he simply A) didn’t care, or B) Froze up. Your character is in Question and you give a half-hearted answer? Maybe he is afraid to be transparent. I get that.
The REAL point of all of this is that Fro is NOT buying into the system. As Alexander Ovechkin said last night on NHL on the Fly: “I don’t care who I play with. I go to net and score goals.”. That is the mantra of a GREAT player IMO.
If Fro ‘Just is what he is’, then he doesn’t fit here unfortunately. That is just what that is. We’re not going to change half or even a quarter of the team to accomodate him. There are other 30 goal scorers in the league that can fit in our system.
That’s my take. I think Fro is hurting himself, especially if he does care, by not working within the system and taking Ovechkin’s attitude about things.
Hopefully this is a wake up call for the Fro. It sure lit a fire under the Kings last night. Now, we can only hope the Fro turns it around and turns it up!
It would be a shame if we lose another beloved King.
This scenario happens way to often here in Los Angeles, talented player finds his way into the doghouse or at the end of his current contract and receives a one way ticket out of town i.e. Cammallari, O’Sullivan, Blake.
1. Ersberg –
Nice to hear from someone who actually “gets it”. You are spot on with your views.
2. Bobby Scribe quote –
“I wrote an article / analysis on the Frolov situation on lakingsnews.com”
Nice read – and accurate
To the others here who think of themselves as “Kings Gods” or whatever, pay more attention to the wise words of these two posters.
Johnjuan,
I want a guy that plays with passion night after night and scores 40-50 goals.
Do the Kings really need a player that is considered an enigma as many of you have called Fro?
Frolov is not your typical hockey player. He expresses himself in a comletely different way on and off the ice. He’s a calm and quiet guy. That doesnt mean he doesnt care about what he’s doing out there. He obviously loves playing hockey. His interview is exactly what I expected from him. And everyone needs to remember that hes not comfortable speaking English which doesnt help him express himself verbally.
Its very obvious that Terry Murray just doesnt like Fro. This whole benching thing is such a joke.
Belexes, Ersberg and Bobby – You are right on! The only way I could see Fro being trade is late at trade deadline. It does remind me of the panthers with Bouwneester last season, kind of waiting around to see if they make playoffs see if they can resign him… What do you think?
I would like to see Fro play on the top two lines or rotate during the game since that is what TM loves to do…
JP Martin:
“it seriously wouldnt hurt fro to just bang his stick on the ice when a bad play happens.
Just so you know…Fro did this exactly that at the home opener against Phoenix.
mrk wrote (in the same post incredibly):
“None of you know Fro personally. Stop lambasting him…”
“Knowing as much as I know about DL, I know he’s gone by next year…”
Enlighten us please…
the 1st game in phoenix is a whole team playing bad … plus that WAS good to see from him. what did that line do the next game against the sharks was amazing shutting down the thornton, heatley line and that is what is expected from them. to boot, they generated their scoring chances and actually produced. his play is being questioned from the last 3 games because if he can show the tenacity and hunger the first 5 games of the season, then what the hell happened in the other 3. the measuring stick is that fro has played some good games already this year … ie the 4 game winning streak … the consistency is what the coaches and management want.
Get rid of him already, bring in some new blood! Trade him for some grit, get a middle weight, a Carcillo type, maybe a tough D-man too.
Throw him along with Hickey, Moller, and Purcell for Kovi. Heck, they might as well throw in Lewis and Richardson. Get rid of the softness, the softeness that has always plagued this organization
A friend of mine (and fellow Kings fan) once stated that “Frolov is the Kings version of Rodney Dangerfield. No matter how well he plays, he still won’t get the respect he deserves.”
This rings ever more true when he was replaced by IvafallenandIcantgetup.
ANY player that has to put up with the undeserving garbage that he’s been put under year after year after year has GOT to be declared a saint. Fro isn’t perfect, mind you, but he’s the best with the puck when he’s actually on his game.
[...] machine while also falling down at inopportune times causing goals against, among other things. Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider posted a transcript of his conversation with Frolov about what happened between him and the [...]
Belexes-
I don’t think anyone here considers themselves ‘Kings Gods’ as you so interestingly/eloquently put it. If you are referring to any comments I may have made about Fro lovers leaving, that is for the few that bash TM and DL all day relentlessly. I hate to see Kings fans so unhappy, so I simply offered them a solution. A ‘Way Out’ if you will. I tould them they would have my respect for standing by their player as they leave to follow him and I would support them 100%.
NOWHERE did I say those fans MUST leave. I certainly don’t have that power anyway. It’s all an open choice. Exactly like the choice Fro has to play within the system and adopt Ovechkin’s attitude. That’s an open choice too, but for some reason, people here think he’s OWED something. What, for being on a losing team? He got paid didn’t he?
Did Luc Robitaille get some sort of special treatment, like some of you want Fro to get, in his situation? Nope! The team went one direction and he went to Detroit and won a cup. GOOD FOR HIM! Did Detroit build the team around him? Do I have to answer that?
Then what does Luc do, he came BACK to the organ-eye-zation that gave him his start. Class.
Fro might do the same thing for all we know. My point being though that building a team around a guy that can produce but doesn’t play to his full capabilities is self-defeating and utterly ridiculous!
If only Frolov had half the passion for the team that the fans who posted in this thread had we wouldn’t be talking about this
Whatever your take on the interview is(he was too polite to fire back at TM or he doesn’t care), his play after this wakeup call will determine whether he got the message or not. But unfortunately it’s probably too late to save his Kings career.
CYNIC, VERY WELL PUT!
The bottom line is this,
The Kings Scouted, interviewed, drafted, signed, and have now watched Fro play for a very long time. If they don’t like what they see, fine, deal with it. They know who he is!
But to act on this with a public verbal attack is just not in the best interest of this club. The Kings could have something special this year, which makes this drama all the more perplexing.
For the fans posting on this site, who will be supporting the Kings by visiting the Staples Center, and those of us that are fortunate enough to support them in person as they play in cities all over North America, we expect a more polished package, than this.
If you have a hard time understanding the importance of showing an emotional element to your team, teammates and your game, please read what the venerable Jim Fox says on the subject and then recognize THAT IT MATTERS BIG TIME!!!
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2009/10/jim-fox-kings-alexander-frolov-ryan-smyth.html
Johnjuan, Belexes, Ersberg WWMad, House et al that belong to the camp that “gets it”. Great comments and thank you for not putting too much
value in a brief exchange btwn a stud player that was trying to be polite and coy in a contract year and a journalist doing the awesome job he is paid to do.
I wonder if the other camp will pack up and go when dl and tm depart after this season seemingly a true possiblity.
I would respect that.
Fro is a great player. A First or at worst 2nd line player. The First Line is doing great so leave it alone. The second line not scoring so MOVE FRO THERE. Like Datsyuk said “Frolov is the most underrated players in the NHL”
He is a goal scorer and one of the smartest players in the League. So if the Coach or GM don’t know how to use him or dont “like” him trade him to Detroit I am sure Datsyuk would love to have him as a line mate.
Foxy provides soo much insight he is such an asset to the fans of this organization.
A player with no heart or commitment or desire or emotion doesn’t go to the corners and continually dig for the puck and maintain control along the boards and corners until someone gets open so he can feed him. If Fro was the only player to ever screw up in the “O” zone then it would be history, tell me Orr, Howe, Richard or any of the greats never screwed up and they would laugh in your face. I personally know a gent who has 4 Stanley Cup rings with Montreal and I and you have probably seen the tape where he gave the puck to the opposing player who scored and his team won the Cup in 1960. Now, how bad could that be. Like I said before, it’s not his goal scoring, it’s his “awareness” on the ice.
Detroit can’t wait to get their hands on Frolov. Once Frolov joins their team, know one will be able to get the puck away from the Red Wings! Datsyuk and Frolov can keep the puck away from the opposition like no other players can!!!
Put him on a Scoring line, give the guy a shot. He is playing with two guys who are 3rd line guys, Frolov is NOT a 3rd line guy. He has been miscast for the last couple years and has had great production dispite all of this. Love Wayne Simmonds but not a true scorer or disher yet. Not so happy w/ Handzus, he is just a flat out underperformer and plays with very little grit. Like the line combos reported by Rich in practice but….maybe have Smyth or Kopitar rove on that Second line as well just to get Frolov some help. The guy is gifted and a proven 30 goal scorer, get him a little help!
I agree with “Hamish Campbell”, I really don’t want to see him in an other team….