Authority Athletics previously discussed how Ryan Johansen has been a disappointment for the Colorado Avalanche as their 2nd line center. Thus far we have examined a potential fit for Elias Lindholm, Trevor Zegras, and Anthony Beauvillier. We continue our search for a new 2nd line center with Morgan Frost of the Philadelphia Flyers.
One might wonder why the Flyers would be willing to give up on a promising 24-year-old center. Well – apparently the play of Frost didn’t quite meet the standards of coach John Tortorella. Although Frost has been in the lineup as of late, he was healthy scratched for a good number of games earlier in the season. The scratch is surprising given that Frost finally lived up to expectations last year notching 19 goals and 46 points.
Frost plays a style that would mesh well with the Avalanche. He skates well and is a very good playmaker. He passes the eye test, but his analytics also show that he would be a good fit. According to Puck Pedia, Frost has a Corsi For (CF%) of 50.20 and a Relative Corsi For (Rel CF %) of 1.70. In comparison, Ryan Johansen has a CF% of 49.20 and a Rel CF% of -4.70. Not only does Frost control the puck and push play more than Johansen, but he also has a bigger positive impact on games than the Avs current 2nd line center. As another comparison, all Avalanche fans are pushing for Elias Lindholm (rightfully so) but Lindholm’s CF% is 46.30 and Rel CF% is -6.90. The stats don’t lie.
The good news for the Avalanche is it likely wouldn’t take a ton to trade for Frost, although his value has increased recently. Perhaps, it would be as simple as swapping Sam Malinski for Frost. Another option might be a mid-level prospect and a 2nd or 3rd round pick. Either way, the value and upside for the Avalanche is there. Frost is signed for this year and next at a cap friendly hit of 2.1 million and will still be a restricted free agent when this contract expires. Frost may not be ready to step into a 2C role today, but Ross Colton could fill that role for the remainder of the season, or the Avalanche could shift Rantanen to center for the time being. Given the right circumstance and opportunity, Frost should be able to develop into a dependable 2nd line center.
WHAT DO YOU THINK – SHOULD THE AVALANCHE PURSUE MORGAN FROST?
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Yes! Morgan Frost would be a great 2nd line center
I think they should pursue anyone that isn’t Johansen.