Michael Frolík blames the Montreal Canadiens for ending his NHL career

A lot of players who were on a team that went all the way to the Stanley Cup Final would likely have fond memories of their time there. It's the exact opposite for Michael Frolik, who was a member of the Montreal Canadiens last season when the team went on its Cinderella run all the way to the last round of the playoffs.

"The Canadiens have basically ended my NHL career," Frolik told TVA Sports in an interview from Switzerland, where he is spending this season with Lausanne HC.

"It was an extremely difficult year for me," Frolik continued. "In fact, I still don't know why the Canadiens signed me. When the club made its offer, I was made to understand that there would be a position waiting for me. But they signed Corey Perry right after. I already knew the team was tight on payroll, so I thought, 'oh, this is not good'."

"Then it was the start of a never-ending merry-go-round. A player would get injured, then a skater would be recalled, but it was never me. I went into the coaches' office many times to plead my case, but I was constantly told I wasn't playing because of the salary cap. That's all they knew how to tell me, it seemed! I would say, 'OK, but trade me, then!' They wouldn't listen."


Frolik ended up playing in eight regular season games with Montreal, as well as another two with the Laval Rocket of the AHL. He saw no action whatsoever in the playoffs. When his contract was up at the end of the season, Frolik was signed to a professional tryout (PTO) by the St. Louis Blues, but failed to land a contract before the season began.

"When you don't play all season, it's hard to keep up and find a team the next season. I know what I could have brought to the Canadiens. I'm an experienced guy and I came in with good intentions and an interesting skill set. But the team just never gave me any opportunities," said Frolik "Oh, they gave me eight games. But on a fourth line in games that didn't matter. Yes, I can tell you I'm mad at the Habs. Nobody likes to be left out repeatedly. The team basically ended my NHL career."

Folik added it had always been a goal for him to play 1000 games in the NHL. He's currently at 858 and believes Montreal ruined his chances at reaching the 1000 games plateau, saying he doubts he'll make it back to the NHL now.

The 33-year-old, who won a Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2013, had nothing but praise for his teammates in Montreal, particularly Carey Price and Shea Weber.

"Carey Price is number one, obviously. What he did in the playoffs was just incredible. We knew that no matter how tough it was, Pricer was going to make the save and get us out of trouble. It was a great feeling. In fact, I've never seen a goalie perform like that in my life. He was in a very special place. So calm and composed."

Frolik ended his interview by saying he's very happy in Switzerland, and explained why with what appeared to be a parting shot at the Habs.

"It's very nice here because I get a lot of ice time. I play on the power play, but also short-handed," said Frolik. "I often finish my games with 20 minutes on the ice. It's nice to feel the confidence of the coaches. It's a change from the last few seasons..."