Semyon Frolov (G, L, 6’3″, 205, MHK Krylia Sovetov Moskva, 01/17/2007)
Semyon Frolov is an average sized, athletic, and poised goaltender who combines his 6’3″ frame with a calm presence in the crease. He has been consistent despite playing for multiple teams this season, demonstrating adaptability and resilience. While he excels in tracking pucks, making highlight reel saves look easy, and handling grade “A” scoring opportunities (87% save success), his tendency to drop into the butterfly prematurely has become an issue that needs correction. Frolov’s raw tools and foundational skills make him an intriguing prospect with NHL starter potential, but his technical inconsistencies and lack of stopping breakaway reliability require refinement.
Strengths
Size and Athleticism:
Frolov’s frame gives him excellent net coverage, making him a prototypical modern goaltender.
He moves well laterally, utilizing his size to stay square to shooters and maintain coverage on second-chance opportunities.
Save Percentage and Clutch Saves:
His 0.930 save percentage highlights his ability to consistently keep his team in games.
Frolov averages 2.5 “brilliant saves” per game, showcasing his ability to make highlight-reel stops in critical moments.
He stops 85% of grade “A” scoring opportunities, demonstrating composure and sharp tracking under pressure.
Positioning and Puck Tracking:
He does an excellent job staying square to the shooter and keeping his hips upright, avoiding unnecessary gaps in coverage when transitioning laterally.
His ability to track the puck through traffic and control rebounds has been a significant strength, with only 4 goals against this year coming off uncontrollable rebounds.
Calm and Confident Presence:
Frolov rarely gets rattled, maintaining a composed demeanor even during high-pressure situations.
His calm approach inspires confidence in teammates and allows him to recover quickly from mistakes.
Development Potential:
At just 18 years old, Frolov shows the raw tools necessary to develop into a high-level professional goaltender.
His foundation is strong, and he has the time to continue developing his game further.
Areas for Improvement
Butterfly Tendencies:
Frolov has a clear tendency to drop into the butterfly too early, making him vulnerable to shooters targeting the upper corners. Of the 37 goals he has allowed this year, 27 came while in the butterfly position. NHL-level shooters will continue to expose this habit very quickly if it is not corrected.
Breakaway Performance:
Frolov struggles on breakaways, stopping just 75% of these opportunities.
Puck Handling:
While not a glaring weakness, his puck-handling ability behind the net is unpolished. Improving his decision-making with the puck would help his defensemen during breakouts and in the overall transition game.
Consistency Across Teams:
While he has been strong overall despite moving between teams, minor dips in performance have been observed during transitions. Developing a consistent routine that translates regardless of the environment will help his long-term success.
Rawness in Technique:
Frolov still displays some technical rawness, such as overreliance on athleticism to make saves rather than anticipating puck move or patterns for positioning.
Refining these aspects of his game will elevate him from being a talented junior goaltender to an professional-ready prospect.
Projection
His size, athleticism, and ability to perform under pressure are valuable assets for any team seeking a long-term solution in goal. If he can address his butterfly tendencies, improve his breakaway performance, and refine his technical game, Frolov could evolve into a top-tier goaltender.
Draft Outlook
We currently have Frolov as a mid-to-late second round of the 2025 NHL Draft. His size and upside will make him a popular target for teams looking to develop a modern-style goalie who can anchor their crease in the future. His draft stock could rise significantly with improved technical refinement and a strong showing during the remainder of the MHL season.
Key Development Goals
Delay the Butterfly: Focus on staying upright longer and reading plays more patiently to avoid being exposed by skilled shooters.
Breakaway Technique: Improve his patience and structure during breakaways to increase his save percentage in these high-danger situations.
Technical Refinement: Work on tightening his positioning, rebound control, and reliance on athleticism to ensure consistency across all situations.
Puck Handling: Develop better decision-making with the puck to aid his defensemen and improve his overall transition game.
Exploit Size More Effectively: Use his 6’3″ frame to take up more of the net in both lateral movements and static positions.
Final Assessment
Semyon Frolov’s size, athleticism, and mental toughness make him an intriguing goaltending prospect with significant long-term upside. While technical and situational improvements are needed, his foundation and ability to make critical saves under pressure suggest he has the potential to become an NHL starter. With proper coaching and development, Frolov could establish himself as a key asset for any team seeking a reliable and impactful goaltender in the future.