Will this be Morgan Frost’s last year in Philadelphia?

The 2017 NHL draft is looking like a sheer disaster for the Flyers. Nolan Patrick, selected second overall, could never stay healthy and hasn’t played since March 2022. Second-rounder Isaac Ratcliffe never caught on. Right now Noah Cates seems to be the best pick of that draft as a fifth-rounder. However, that also means he has been a better NHLer than Morgan Frost, who was selected 27th overall in that same draft. And honestly, it will be hard to find someone who disagrees with you on that.

Frost is an enigma. He appears to possess a lot of talent. He goes on streaks where it looks like he is unstoppable. Unfortunately, he also goes on streaks where it is apparent he is very stoppable at the net.

In 229 career games, Frost has just 39 goals. In comparison, in 222 games, Patrick has 32 goals and Cates has 24 in 157 games. Two other current Flyers selected in that same draft, Owen Tippett (10th overall) has 73 goals in 270 games and Ryan Poehling (25th overall) has 31 goals in 215 games. Out of the 31 non-goalies taken in that draft, only 14 have fewer goals. And when you break that down even further, seven are defenders and eight have played in less than 200 games. Yikes.

Morgan Frost’s consistency issues could send him out of Philadelphia for good

So far, Frost hasn’t put it all together yet. Last year, he scored just 13 goals, down six from a career-high set the year before. However, he did set a career-high in assists with 28. He was scratched in several games last year for no real reason that was given. It seems that Frost and John Tortorella may have an icy relationship, but it is unclear. Neither have commented openly about it.

So, this year is a crucial one for both parties. The Flyers need to determine whether or not Frost has a future with the team. He will be a free agent at the end of this season. The 25-year-old center/winger is making $2.1 million this year. Do the Flyers want to re-sign him? Does he want to remain here? Is he someone the team can or will trade at the deadline? Will his game improve this year?

All these questions, and more, may be answered during this season. As of right now, Frost may not be able to cut it here. At least with Patrick, you can chalk it up to injuries. With Frost, there has been no major injury setback thus far. He has to step up his game. If not, he could be sent packing.