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Flames send Frolik to Sabres, clearing way for future moves |
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Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
The Calgary Flames made their first trade of the season on Thursday.
GM Brad Treliving shipped veteran winger Michael Frolik to the shallow Buffalo Sabres in exchange for San Jose’s 4th round draft pick in 2020, giving the Flames a selection in each round.
Frolik is carrying a $4.3 million cap hit on expiring contract and, realistically speaking, was never going to be brought back.
The Flames seem to have soured on him and there were some (understandable) complaints from Frolik’s camp about how he was being used. The marriage ending was inevitable. From that angle, it makes sense to get something for him.
With that said, the Flames were already thin on the wing. Losing Frolik only makes matters worse.
I realize he was used sparingly but he averaged more 5v5 points/60 than Mikael Backlund, Sam Bennett and Milan Lucic, among others, while ranking 3rd on the team in Corsi For%. It’s not like he was useless.
If this move was made in isolation I don’t like it for Calgary. An established bottom-6 winger provides more value to a team that wants to make the playoffs than a low percentage lottery ticket. I think even Frolik’s detractors would admit as much.
That’s why I believe there is another move to come. Whether it be in four days or four weeks, there is something up Treliving’s sleeve. There has to be.
They have some financial flexibility now and it will grow with each day that passes. So long as the Flames remain competitive, I fully expect Treliving to put it to use.
Numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com
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