Dennis Wierzbicki-US PRESSWIRE
Due to the lack of progress of the NHL CBA talks, another NHL player has left North America to play overseas. Chicago Blackhawks forward, Michael Frolik will head to the Czech Republic to play for Pirati Chumotov of the Czech Extraliga League until the lockout is lifted. Frolik returns to the Czech Extraliga League, the same league where he first played for HC Kladno, a team currently owned by future hall of famer, Jaromir Jagr. The signing was announced on the Chumotov Pirates website.
Frolik, 24, is young player but has sizeable NHL experience, playing in five seasons for the Florida Panthers and his current team, the Chicago Blackhawks. His production has diminished ever since he entered the league, first notching 45 points in his rookie season with the Florida Panthers. Frolik registered 43 and 29 points the following two seasons in Florida, before being traded to the Chicago Blackhawks.
In his first season with the Blackhawks, the young Chicago forward played in 28 games and contributed nine points in the regular season. While he didn’t have a big impact on Chicago’s regular season, Frolik helped the Blackhawks to a Stanley Cup. He only played in seven postseason games, but posted two goals and three assists.
This past season during his second season with the Blackhawks, the former Florida Panthers first round selection contributed five goals and ten assists in 63 regular season games. He then added three points in four postseason games.
Playing overseas could be beneficial for Frolik, who has struggled in the NHL thus far and many have expected more of the 10th overall pick from the 2006 NHL entry draft.
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