New York Rangers: Be Happy With Alexander Frolov in New York

Listen, Ranger fans, be happy with today's signing of left winger Alexander Frolov.

He brings secondary scoring to a team that literally had none. After Marian Gaborik's 40-plus goals, Vinny Prospal and Brandon Dubinsky were tied for second with 20.

If nothing more, be happy that this should shore up Wade Redden's demotion to Hartford, along with making the final defenseman spot Ryan McDonagh's to lose. This is, in a way, addition by subtraction, while still adding a pretty solid piece.

Frolov's contract is no-risk, high-reward. Many people have drawn comparisons to the Nik Zherdev trade two seasons ago, but here the team is losing nothing but money, and not much of it. $3 million for a former two-time 30-goal scorer is a steal.

Expect his goal production to increase dramatically while playing with Gaborik and Erik Christensen, who is a very talented playmaker. There is no reason Frolov shouldn't net at least 30 if he stays healthy.

Also, unlike Zherdev, he wants to play here. There were times where Nik Zherdev just disappeared, and seemed like a high school senior going through the motions waiting for the season to end to head back home to Russia and the open arms of the KHL.

It has been reported that Frolov turned down a four-year, $20 million contract with SKA St. Petersberg, for the chance to play here in New York for the Rangers.

Many fans are complaining that there are no spots open for the younger prospects to break through the ceiling to the NHL. Let's remember, though, that just because someone is expected to make the team, doesn't secure a spot on the roster.

I still believe Evgeny Grachev will make team out of camp, along with McDonagh. On top of that, Brian Boyle's spot is not guaranteed, opening the door for Derek Stepan to make the jump out of camp.

Let's say, for arguments sake, Frolov doesn't have the season I am expecting him to, only putting up 15 goals and 20 assists. He is signed to a one-year deal, and can be shipped out for picks at the deadline.

In the end, there was no one better out there or in the system that has the potential to change the team like Frolov does. For $3 million, Frolov is a steal for a season.

If he scores 30 goals and 25 assists, Sather will look like a genius. If he flops, he's gone in April.