The Russians Are Coming Part 2: Alexander Frolov

The Russians are coming:

Now that the 2001-02 Russian Super League and Upper League seasons have come to a close, the post season dust of transfers and roster cuts is starting to settle.  Some players find out their services are no longer needed with their current clubs, while others leave their teams on their own initiative.  There are also a select few who, at the end of their contract with their Russian team, are eyeing intently across the ocean towards North America thinking – “Am I strong enough?”  For many it will be a short visit to North America for the training camp and back to Russia.  Some have already been there and returned to Russia after their unsuccessful first, second or just another one of many attempts to make it in the NHL.  For several, it will be their first trip to North America and first impressions go a long way.   Not just first impressions the team’s management and coaches have of the player, but also the impressions the player has of North America.  Here are a few of the more notable players who will make their way to North America from Russia and likely make a notable impact. 

Alexander Frolov – Los Angeles Kings

Alexander Frolov’s stock skyrocketed after his impressive performance in the Russian Upper League that helped the Soviet Wings’ ascend back into the Super League.  In the post season discussion even Alexander’s strongest supporters did not expect him to maintain the same scoring pace at the Super League’s level.  But he did just that. 

After failing to come to an agreement with the Los Angeles Kings, he stayed in Russia and continued to play for the Soviet Wings.  During the beginning of the 2001-02 season, Alexander represented most of the Soviet Wings’ offense.  Throughout the season, Alexander’s role was similar to that of Pavel Bure where during the 00-01 season, when he scored more then 30 percent of the Flordia’s goals.  Alexander led the Super League in scoring for the first two months of the season.  He did not play well at the Four Nations Tournament where the Russian ’83 National Team delivered a sub par performance.  Some were quick to judge Alexander, who then proceeded to shut his critics up with a six goal, eight point performance at the 2002 U20 WJC where the Russian National Team tasted the sweet gold after suffering a humiliating series of defeats just a year earlier.

After the WJC, Alexander’s performance leveled off, likely due to fatigue.  He remained a scoring threat, but in January his production declined and he slowly fell from the ranks of Super League’s leading snipers.   His season got even grimmer when Alexander fell awkwardly after a check and left the ice with what was later diagnosed as a knee sprain. 

The Wings lost Alexander to injury for more then two weeks, though he returned in time to help the team hold on to the eight and final playoff spot.  The Soviet Wings exceeded everyone’s preseason expectations by maintaining a competitive team and making the playoffs.  Unfortunately they did not advance far, bowing out in the first round to the eventual Super League champions, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl.

After the conclusion of the season, the Super League’s coaches awarded Alexander Frolov the Rookie of the Year award.  Alexander also made significant impact at the training camp for the Russian National team that was to compete at the World Championships.  He remained with the team during most of the training camp and exhibition games, and was sent home in the final cuts just days before the tournament. 

The Los Angeles Kings’ management considered signing Frolov one of the club’s top priorities of the summer and on July 15^th they signed Alexander to a three year contract.  Alexander proved his worth during the 2001-02 season and strengthened his negotiating position.  He will showcase his skills at the training camp and will likely remain with the Kings for the 2002-03 season opener.   He is a matured player, who is ready for the NHL.