Frolik blames Canadiens for putting an end to his NHL Career

[Scorch]

Break out your smallest violins, people!

Former NHL winger Michael Frolik explained in an interview with TVA Sports, that has been translated from French to English, his discontent with the Habs and the way they handled him last year.

During the conversation, in which Frolik claims "the Canadiens have put an end to my NHL career altogether," the 33-year-old details what exactly went on during the season.

"It was an extremely difficult year for me," Frolik stated. "In fact, I still don't know why the Canadiens made me sign a contract. When the club submitted its offer, I was made to understand that there would be a position waiting for me. But executives signed Corey Perry right after. I already knew the team was tight in terms of payroll, so I was like, 'oh, that's not good.'"

On Dec. 23, Montreal inked Frolik to a one-year deal worth $750,000. The Czech forward had spent the previous campaign split between the Calgary Flames and Buffalo Sabres. Across the 57 games during the 2019-20 campaign, Frolik tallied just six goals and 14 points, albeit while serving in a more defensive role. Five days after he signed, on Dec. 28, the Habs reached a one-year agreement with Corey Perry for $750,000.

"Then it was the start of an endless merry-go-round," Frolik claimed. "A player was injured, then a skater was called up, but it was never me. I went to the coach's office a lot to make my case, but I was constantly told that I was not playing because of the salary cap. It was all they knew how to tell me, it seems! I said to them: 'ok, but trade me, in that case!' They didn't want to hear anything."

Even though Frolik pleaded for a trade, he never received one. The veteran ended up playing just eight games for the Habs during the 2020-21 campaign, recording zero goals, zero assists, and a minus-three rating.

He blames his lack of production on the few and sporadic opportunities he received at the NHL level.

"When you're not playing the season, it's hard to keep up the pace and find yourself a team the next season, by the way. I know what I could have done for Canadiens. I am an experienced guy and I arrived with good intentions and an interesting set of skills. But the team just never gave me any opportunities. Oh, [they] gave me eight games. But on a fourth line on the occasion of unimportant games. Yes, I can tell you that I am angry with the [Canadiens]. No one likes to be left out over and over again. The team ended my NHL career altogether. "

https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/ex-...162327049.html

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Just glad he isn't blaming the Flames. He seemed pretty unhappy with his usage by the end of his tenure in Calgary.

[Knightslayer]

Always someone else's fault with Frolik. He was a good Calgary Flame but he seemed entitled towards the end.

[GioforPM]

I doubt anyone was trading for Frolik even if they tried. Tough spot. It’s funny that his agent never squawked like in Calgary.

[TheScorpion]

I mean, kinda a cheap move by Bergevin to promise him a spot and then refuse to move him even though they had no use for him.

[Knightslayer]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

I mean, kinda a cheap move by Bergevin to promise him a spot and then refuse to move him even though they had no use for him.

Nobody was going to trade for Frolik lets be honest.

[saillias]

Kinda reminds me of Commodore's infamous Babcock grievance. They think they've suffered the most egregious offense of all time because a team signed them and then used better players. If you're a 4th liner or 6th D that is what happens.

[Toonage]

Technically shouldn't he be blaming the Blues?

[looooob]

Hard to know how to feel about Frolik- he was such a useful Flame for the first several years, including as recently as what? the 18-19 season? but since then he's cycled through at least 3 teams- easy to blame circumstances once or twice but...


is this really a matter of him being a distraction (he or his agent)
or did he just 'lose it' as a player


likely a bit of both


looking at his draft class, most of the guys with careers clearly better than him are still active, most of the guys not as good as him are now retired- this just may be his fate. there are exceptions I suppose ( Lewis as an example)

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

I mean, kinda a cheap move by Bergevin to promise him a spot and then refuse to move him even though they had no use for him.

Are you saying the Habs sometimes make cheap moves?

In other news, if you let the ice melt, it becomes water, which is wet.

That said, loooooob is right. Father Time is telling Frolik to hang 'em up.

[Scorch]

Originally Posted by Toonage

Technically shouldn't he be blaming the Blues?

Yup, the Blues tried him out for a PTO...

BUT ITS ALL THE CANADIENS FAULT!

[FlamesAddiction]

I think his issue was more that he didn't want to embrace a different roll. In his mind, it seems that it was top 6 or bust. He could probably be one of the best 4th liners in the game if he wanted to be, but he clearly does not want that.

That's the difference between him and a player like Corey Perry. Perry was busting his ass with whatever opportunity he was given and that will win over a coach every time.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

I think his issue was more that he didn't want to embrace a different roll. In his mind, it seems that it was top 6 or bust. He could probably be one of the best 4th liners in the game if he wanted to be, but he clearly does not want that.

That's the difference between him and a player like Corey Perry. Perry was busting his ass with whatever opportunity he was given and that will win over a coach every time.

Frolik played 4th line on the 2013 Blackhawks in a purely defensive role. I don't think that's fair considering this was after being a 20 goal scoring top ten draft pick and he played that role like a pro.

I think it's more likely that he just lost a step, and plays that might have been a stick lift or a check started to became hooking and tripping penalties, and teams just didn't think he was worth putting on the ice. He was bitter about that without realizing that he was taking a lot of unnecessary penalties.

[Erick Estrada]

The end came fast for Frolik and unfortunately he was the last person to realize that he was done. He was quite good in his first two seasons as a Flames but then he started to decline as it seemed like he was losing another step every year. When you are getting scratched in Buffalo you know it's the end.

[troutman]

Montréal n'est pas bon

[Classic_Sniper]

Personally, I'm a fan of Frolik. Met him, probably one of the nicest hockey players I've talked to. Good player for the Flames too in his time here.

He does seem extremely direct and honest in interviews though. He doesn't seem to hold anything back like other players. I'm sure 80% of players in the league complain just like he does, but in front of a mic or a camera, they're all very diplomatic. I don't think that's how Frolik rolls though.

[Northendzone]

climate change is hurting us all

[djsFlames]

It's hardly an endictment on your character to blame the Habs for stuff. They are filth.

Miss ya Czech Ashton!

[Kipper_3434]

Yep, Frolik has always been straight up. Maybe he isn't right but I respect someone who says what he believes instead of what the masses want to hear.

I think the meaningful part of his career was probably over though. Speed really isn't something you can compensate for losing as a checking forward thats undersized.

[powderjunkie]

It's worth noting that some nuance may be literally lost in translation here.

He's also probably not gotten the best professional counsel with Allan Walsh as his agent