After two seasons with the Winnipeg Jets, Michael Frolik has signed with the Calgary Flames, inking a five-year deal at $4.3M per season.
It’s a five-year deal for Michael Frolik with the #flames.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 1, 2015
Hearing Frolik to CAL will come in around five years at a $4.3M AAV.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 1, 2015
Frolik, 27, averaged a career-high 17:30 of ice time last season, shifting up and down the depth chart due to his versatility. He saw moments with the top line that featured captain Andrew Ladd and Bryan Little. In 82 games last season, Frolik scored 19 goals and finished the season with 42 points, the same total as the season before. Due to his good possession numbers, he was as much a success in a top-six role where he’d chip away at goals, as he was playing in a shut-down, defensive role. In just his second season with the Jets, he posted his second-best-career Corsi% and third-best-career Fenwick%. These numbers soared in the playoffs, where the Jets were swept in four games against the Anaheim Ducks. Despite above-average possession numbers, Frolik was held scoreless in those four encounters.
In 512 career games with the Florida Panthers, Chicago Blackhawks and Winnipeg Jets, Frolik has scored 95 goals and 235 points. After two back-to-back seasons of 21 goals and 40+ points, Frolik was dealt to the Blackhawks. Part of the 2012-13 Stanley Cup winning team, Frolik took on a prominent role as a fourth-line player. While his goal total didn’t come close to what he put up with the Panthers, he was an effective player nonetheless and was a contributing factor to the Blackhawks success. After signing with the Jets on a one-year deal, Frolik demonstrated his versatile, two-way play and earned a second one-year deal with the team, cashing out at $3.3 million. General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff loved the energy and skill he brought, wherever he slotted in on the depth chart.
What he brings to the Calgary Flames is Stanley Cup experience, energy, the ability to play anywhere on the depth chart and a good work ethic. His play at even-strength and his strong play on the penalty kill certainly brings an element to the team that they have needed.
