Last night's interview

There was a question, in the comments section, about Frolov’s demeanor when I interviewed him last night. I’m happy to answer that, but you’ll understand, of course, that it’s highly subjective. I’m no expert in body language, but I’ll do my best to put it in some context because I know it’s hard to judge context from print.

The interview last night was completely consistent with every interview I have done with Frolov since I started covering the team. I mean that in two ways. One, he has been nothing but polite and accomodating. Never turns down an interview request, is never rude or short, and will stand or sit, without complaint, until every question has been asked. As a reporter, that is very much appreciated. He didn’t have to do that interview last night, but he did.

On the other hand, it was consistent in that Frolov almost always seems distracted. Almost never does he look me in the eye for more than two seconds at a time, very rarely is there ever any animation or emotion in his presence or in his answers, and his answers are usually mumbled softly. Am I judging him for that? Certainly not. Some players aren’t comfortable talking to reporters, and some see the task as an obligation, one they don’t particularly enjoy. If that’s the case, I respect it completely.

By all indications, this is a long-running, complicated situation, with a lot in the past that can’t be changed. What’s most relevant is what will happen going forward, and we should get a strong indication of that tomorrow based on what people say publicly. If Frolov and coaches/management can’t find some common ground, it will start to become a huge distraction for the rest of the team, and that’s the worst-possible scenario for the Kings.