Fantasy Impact: The New York Rangers have signed left winger Alexander Frolov to a one-year deal worth $3 million.

The Rangers get - An on-again, off-again first-line winger, considered by many to be the streakiest player in the NHL. When Frolov is on, he can be every bit as productive as Marian Gaborik. Imagine a team with two Gaboriks? Unfortunately, Frolov only becomes a Gaborik for about 15 games per season, usually broken up into small increments, and you never know when it's coming.

Fantasy Players Impacted - Just like that, I've scratched Evgeni Grachev off the roster. I had him as a midseason call-up or an up-and-down AHL/NHL yo-yo, due to how extremely thin the Rangers were up front. That won't happen now. Erik Christensen was pencilled in as a top-line left wing or center. Now his only shot on a scoring line is at center, and he'll need to show that he clicks there better than Brandon Dubinsky. I already had a decline pencilled in for Vinny Prospal. That is now even more likely as he gets bumped down the depth chart.

This is a one-year deal and if Frolov wants to make any kind of decent money in this league he absolutely must flourish. An increased role (he was getting buried in L.A.) will also help. A career season could be in the works. Excellent decision by him to sign here. Sean Avery and Ryan Callahan will see small declines due to less power-play time.

Fantasy Players this helps, in order:

1. Frolov

2. Dubinsky

Fantasy Players this hurts, in order:

1. Christensen

2. Grachev

3. Prospal

4. Avery/Callahan

Comments (6)

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paul said:

... I see it this way Gaborik-Prospal-Frolov Dubinsky-Drury-MZA Avery-Anisimov-Callahan Prust-Boyle-Boogie yes signing Staal could present some cap issues, but many rangers fans think Redden will be sent to the AHL which will probably result in McDonaugh making the team. Further evidenced by the draft day trade that sent Bobby Sanguinetti to Carolina. So the #6 spot is penciled in for McD. If NY decides to keep Redden there will be cap issues which could mean that a player like Roszival could be traded as his cap hit and talent level are marketable in the NHL. Grachev probably needs another season in the AHL and if he steps up then NY has the happy problem of making space for him. Most likely Christensen would be the odd man out at that point. Anisimov centering Grachev and Frolov is an intriguing russian line for the Rangers

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July 27, 2010
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Rad64 said:

	... Boogard/Prust/Avery/Brashear seems to be a little bit of overkill.
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July 27, 2010
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Aaron said:

Defense? I'm curious how this signing affects their defense? They're already over the cap with Marc Staal still an RFA... They will certainly sign him in the $2M/year for 2-3 year range... Does that mean Redden is AHL bound and Ryan McDonaugh gets the call up?? Rozsival - MDZ Girardi - Gilroy Staal - McDonaugh (nice future shutdown pairing) Eminger I have their forwards as: Gaborik - Dubinsky - Frolov Prospal - Anisimov - MZA Avery - Drury - Christensen Boogaard - Boyle - Callahan Prust, Brashear Would still leave them with $2-$2.5M cap space using that lineup.

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July 27, 2010
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angus said:

	... Knowing Tortorella, those lines will stay together for about 10 minutes. Christensen will also factor in.
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July 27, 2010
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angus said:

	... I see Dubinsky shifting to LW with Anisimov emerging as a legit center. Frolov-Prospal-Gaborik Dubinsky-Anisimov-MZA Avery-Drury-Callahan
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July 27, 2010
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sentium said:

	... How about a small preview... how do you see the top nine of the Rangers right now?
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July 27, 2010
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