Frolov out for season with knee injury
Rangers left wing Alex Frolov injured his right leg in the third period against the Blues, Saturday. (Jan. 8, 2011) Credit: Christopher Pasatieri
With Alex Frolov out for the season with a torn-up right knee that will require surgery, the Rangers Sunday called up playmaking center Kris Newbury, who is tied for 11th in the AHL in scoring with 35 points in 41 games.
Frolov's knee was twisted badly in the third period of the Rangers' 2-1 win in St. Louis on Saturday when Brad Winchester fell against his leg and it bent. He went to the dressing room and attempted one more shift but did not return.
The Rangers announced Sunday night that Frolov suffered a torn ACL, a sprained MCL and a torn meniscus. He is expected to have surgery this week and be placed on long-term injured reserve, creating about $1.5 million in cap space.
The 28-year-old left wing had a disappointing season after signing a one-year, $3-million free-agent contract July 26. The former Los Angeles King, who twice scored more than 30 goals in a season, had only seven goals and nine assists in 43 games.
Frolov began the year on the No. 1 line with Marian Gaborik but recently was dropped to the fourth line with Chris Drury and Dale Weise. He was pointless in his last seven games and had a 10-game drought from Nov. 22-Dec. 11. His last goal was against Tampa Bay on Dec. 23.
Newbury, 28, whose 30 assists are tied for third in the AHL, was acquired from the Red Wings last March for Jordan Owens. In four seasons for Detroit, he had four goals and three assists in 48 games. The Ontario native will play Tuesday against Montreal at the Garden as the Rangers (25-15-3) seek their fourth straight win.
Notes & quotes: Ryan Callahan (broken hand) will skate for the first time Monday since breaking his left hand while blocking a shot against Pittsburgh on Dec. 15.
