Pittsburgh Penguins: Free Agency Nears – 5 Options for the Pens in a Weak Market

Jan 5, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman

(3) and center

(49) battle Winnipeg Jets right wing

(67) for the puck during the first period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Frolik

Frolik is a name that has circulated since the Pittsburgh Penguins were first eliminated from playoff contention, and he’s another mainstay on my list.

A new report from Josh Yohe from DKonPittsburghSports.Com suggests that the Pens are indeed eyeing Frolik for the start of free agency in a few days.  While he isn’t the dynamic scorer that some are hoping for this summer, he is a very solid two-way winger that can produce adequately alongside good players.

Frolik is coming off a 42-point season (19g, 23a) with the Winnipeg Jets. As Yohe stated in his piece, he has only missed one game in the past two seasons, so his durability and reliability are obviously very important traits to a team that seems cursed by injury year-after-year.

One thing to consider, despite the fact that the Pens see him as a cheaper option than other potential suiters on the market, he’s going to get around $5 million per season. The Pittsburgh Penguins can afford him, and it would be beneficial as there are no forfeited assets, but he’s far from a sure thing to fill their top-six void. If it doesn’t work out, he’ll have a hefty contract to deal with.

Also, according to Frank Seravalli of TSN, Montreal is currently at the top of his list as a possible destination.

While I understand the draw to Frolik, and I believe he’s good option, the Pens will need to be very careful about cost and term.