Buffalo Sabres: Determining which UFAs will return next season

Michael Frolik

Michael Frolik has the type of resume a lot of players past, present and future can only dream of. He is a first round draft pick with more than 11 seasons in the NHL, nearly 400 career points and — most importantly of all — a Stanley Cup ring.

You don’t stick around in the NHL for a decade without having some talent. In this respect, Frolik has made a career out of his deceptive speed, versatility and creative offense. (Although it is interesting to note he has never topped the 45 points he scored during his rookie season.)

As such, you can appreciate why the Sabres decided to trade a 2020 fourth round pick in exchange for the 32-year-old at the start of January. Unfortunately for the team, the move didn’t play out as planned, with him doing next to nothing in 19 games before the season was suspended.

Frolik lived up (or should that be down?) to his reputation of being inconsistent. He ranked at or near the bottom in a host of statistical categories among regular players on the team.

In truth, the Sabres probably could have gotten an idea of what to expect, when considering the winger’s performances for the Calgary Flames this season prior to the trade. He’s just not the same player he used to be.

It’s entirely possible Frolik will be playing somewhere in the NHL next season, but don’t expect it to be in Western New York. And that’s even if he is prepared to take a considerable reduction from this season’s salary of $3 million.

Chance of returning next season: 5 percent