Quote:
Originally Posted by The Cobra
As a pending UFA, Eberle can likely be moved to a contender at the deadline for a decent pick.
I can't imagine why the Islanders would want to take back a declining player with term left?
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I think we’re all undervaluing Frolik here based in his role this season and a disappointing season last year. I attribute his down year last year to Gulutzan’s system, and he wasn’t the only player to see depressed stats last year. But, at 30 years old, he is far from old and has at least 3-4 productive years ahead of him.
Prior to last year, he has consistently been a 0.5PPG player for four straight seasons, and even this year despite a reduced role and injuries, he’s near that mark again. The only reason this is even a situation is because the Flames have had young players like Bennett and Jankowski step up this season and provide key shorthanded play and energy respectively. These young guys can’t stay on the fourth line forever. I agree Frolik always plays before Czarnik this year, but the others have shown more this year. Most teams would be happy to have Frolik in a third line role, the Flames unfortunately just don’t have room there. Even the Jets the other day in the ATL were commenting on how they really would love to have a Frolik back in their bottom 6.
I think the Flames are happy to keep Frolik as he is a serviceable player and exactly the type of guy the Flames would look at acquiring at the deadline if he wasn’t already on our team. He will get his ice time I’m sure in the stretch run as we are bound to have an injury. And after the success of the 3M line reunification last game, maybe he gets another opportunity there.
I actually like the Eberle idea though. Right shot, highly skilled, and maybe not as expensive as he would be normally as he has had an off year. He’d be good depth scoring if the Flames are hoping for an extended run. And I see no reason why Frolik and a 2nd/prospect wouldn’t be of interest if the Isles, as he would be a valuable player for them extending into next year.