The New York Rangers made it official on Tuesday, announcing they had agreed to terms with free agent forward Alexander Frolov on a one-year deal worth $3 million.
"Alex is a highly skilled player who we feel will play a key role in improving our offense and play in all situations," Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather said in a statement. "He is strong competitor and has the ability to play either wing position."
The 28-year old Russian sniper suffered through a down season in Los Angeles last year, scoring only 19 goals, his lowest total since his rookie season, and adding 32 assists. He was also made a healthy scratch by Kings head coach Terry Murray, who openly criticized Frolov's desire.
In an interview with Russian newspaper SovSport on Monday, Frolov's agent Sergei Isakov blasted the Kings for the way they handled his client, stating that they deliberately spoiled his season.
Frolov reportedly turned down a four-year deal worth approximately $20 million to return to Russia and play in the KHL, as his agent stated that he wanted to play one more season in North America before deciding his long term future.
In 536 career games, all with the Kings, Frolov has 168 goals and 213 assists for 381 points, along with 210 penalty minutes. He also helped Russia capture a silver medal at the 2010 IIHF World Hockey Championship in Germany.
The Moscow native was originally Los Angeles' first round choice, 20th overall, in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.
