Alexander Frolov never will be mistaken for Wayne (The Great One) Gretzky, Sid (No Longer Cup-winner) Crosby nor Alex (One Of These Days I'll Actually Win A Cup) Ovechkin. Then again, neither will I.

But the free-agent left wing signed on Tuesday by Glen Sather owns a certain intangible that, ironically -- if not contradictorily -- is tangible.

That is, the 28-year-old fugitive from the Los Angeles Kings owns what The Maven likes to call "Bust-Out-Ability."

For a simple translation, merely check the Russian's 2006-2007 stats -- 35 goals, 36 assists, 71 points in 82 games.

This Muscovite is no slouch.

Coincidentally, if you turn to Page 411 in the National Hockey League's Official Guide and Record Book, you'll notice that Frolov and a chap named Marian Gaborik not only are on the same page, but are separated only by Michael Funk, who somehow got in the way. But I'm not going top go into a deep funk about that. Nor should you.

My instant prediction is that Frolov and Gaborik not only will be on the same page in October, they'll be on the SAME LINE; and wouldn't that be fun for the Rangers but not for 29 opposition goaltenders.

What's more, I already have a theme song for the newest Blueshirt; Irving Berlin's classic "Alexander's Ragtime Band."

Accompanying the Frolov-Gaborik band could very well be Alexander's not-so-old buddy from the Kings, Sean (Warren77) Avery, who teamed in Tinseltown with frolicking Frolov during the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 seasons. They should read off each other on the ice as well as Gabby has with Vin Prospal.

As is my custom, The Maven always seeks the view of at least one Rangers fan for a reaction. My choice here is New Jersey resident Ali Toumadj, who reports that he's enthused about the latest addition to John Tortorella's roster.

"I consider this a stellar move," Toumadj explained. "He gives Torts an option as a winger and he appears to be good enough to complement Gaborik. Even if not, he gives the Rangers a big-time secondary scorer."

Not that Sather's work is done for the Summer, although the Blueshirts' boss has executed some commendable moves such as the re-signing of Dan Girardi, Erik Christensen and Brandon Prust. And, by the way, I would not underestimate Prust's value for the upcoming campaign.

Nor am I forgetting that Martin Biron will provide the best backup goaltending that Henrik Lundqvist has enjoyed since discovering America and that Derek Boogaard will reign as NHL Heavyweight Champion of both coasts as well as the Dominion of Canada.

Next among Sather's moves likely will be the re-signing of Marc Staal whose best is yet to come, but who hardly has been slumbering on the Seventh Avenue blue line since he arrived in The Apple as a rookie.

Make no mistake, the Free Agent season does not begin and end on July 1 as some media moon-gazers would imply.

Actually, the Free Agent campaign has some similarities to the regular NHL schedule in that it's more like a marathon than a sprint.
 
More moves could -- and likely will -- be made by the Blueshirts between now and opening night.

If any rank in the Frolov class, it will be cause for frolic among the Garden Faithful

And I say that with all deference to Sir Gretzky, Crooner Crosby and Mister Mustard; alias Ovechkin!

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