Panthers Sign 2006 First Round Pick Michael Frolik

[VodkaFish]

SUNRISE, Fla. – Florida Panthers General Manager Jacques Martin announced today that the club has agreed to terms on an entry level contract with F Michael Frolik.

Frolik, 20, played in 45 games with Rimouski in the Quebec Major-Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), scoring 65 points (24-41-65) with 22 penalty minutes in his second full season with Rimouski. In his first season, Frolik recorded 73 points (31-42-73) in 52 games played.

“Michael is a very skilled and talented young prospect with good hockey sense and playmaking ability,” said Martin. “Michael has had two strong seasons with Rimouski and he is ready to compete for and earn a spot on our roster. He is the last of our 2006 draft picks to be signed and he is part of the great nucleus of young talented players we have entering the professional level this fall.”

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound forward has represented the Czech Republic in the 2006, 2007 and 2008 World Junior Championships. Frolik played in six games for the Czech Republic at the 2008 WJC, pacing the club with five goals.

The Panthers now have under contract their top three picks from the 2006 Draft (Michael Frolik, Michael Caruso, Brady Calla) and their top two draft picks from the 2007 Draft (Keaton Ellerby & Michal Repik).

Frolik was the Panthers first round pick (10th overall) in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.