New York Rangers: Should I Stay or Should I Go?

This is the first in a series discussing the New York Rangers' players who are currently unrestricted or restricted free agents. Today we begin with unrestricted free agent forwards Alexander Frolov and Vaclav Prospal.

Alexander Frolov, Left Wing

Reasons to stay – New York is a major media market. The Rangers are in the process of building a team that will contend for years. Failed to boost his salary/trade value and needs a complete and successful season to do so.

Reasons to leave – Trying to stay out of Torts’ doghouse gets stale quickly. Frolov admittedly signed with New York to boost his salary/trade value so perhaps has little attachment to club or city.

Analysis – Frolov isn’t a bad player, but at his current salary of $3M/year the Rangers expect much more than 43 games and 16 points. With his production dwindling (points since ‘06-’07: 71, 67, 59, 51, and then 16 in his injury shortened stint in Manhattan) the 29 year-old Frolov would have to accept a drastic salary cut to stay.

Speculation – As his agent will expect more money, and the Rangers won’t want to give it, expect Frolov to hit the bricks and test unrestricted free agency. If he and his agent can’t find the deal they are looking for in the NHL, expect Frolov to head for Russia in search of big KHL rubles.

Vaclav “Vinny” Prospal, Left Wing/Center

Reasons to stay – Prospal has enjoyed success with the Rangers. He seems to enjoy playing for Torts. Though the Rangers are attempting to build something long lasting for the future.

Reasons to leave – Prospal has offered his services to the Rangers at a steep discount for two years now as he nears the end of his career – money talks.

Analysis – When healthy (60 games or better), Prospal is a reliable 40-80 point player. Prospal has played well, producing better numbers in less games than teammates that make far much more money than he does. Prospal can play center as well as wing, and allows the Rangers great flexibility, which the Rangers need, as Tortorella loves to bench players to make his point.

Speculation – Rangers will again offer Prospal a short term contract but with lucrative incentives. As Prospal isn’t getting any younger, he will likely re-sign with the Rangers.

Tune in for tomorrow where we will look at the situations of Ruslan Fedotenko and Todd White.