MLive’s Ansar Khan examines Martin Frk’s 2018-19 season outlook this morning:
2018-19 outlook: Frk boasts one of the hardest shots in the league and he’s right-handed, which is in short supply on this team (Thomas Vanek, Luke Glendening and Luke Witkowski are the only other righty forwards). His one-timer is weapon, particularly on the power play. Problem is, where does he fit in at even-strength?
There is no room on the top three lines for Frk, especially if rookies Filip Zadina and Michael Rasmussen make the team. Frk is strictly an offensive player who doesn’t fit the fourth-line mold, but that might be the only place he can play. And even then, it might require an injury or two to get him in the lineup.
He could be the 13th/14th forward. If cap space becomes tight, Frk could be waived and, if he clears, sent to the Grand Rapids Griffins, where his entire salary would be buried.
With so much competition up front, it will be an uphill battle for Frk to crack the lineup.
Quotable: “(Coach Jeff Blashill) is really strict and he wants the players to work on both sides of the ice. It’s definitely a little bit different for me. I’m trying to be as good offensively and (on the) defensive side. Especially on that fourth line you don’t want the line to score against you.” — Frk
