Whether you like him or not - here's the reality...
in every league he has played in so far he has gone through the same process....Once he gets comfortable and gets his confidence he dominates the team he is on and the league he is in. You can see this happened in Spokane when he was in junior where he went from being a 4th liner Euro with nobody thinking he would be anything to a first line and PP guy who led the team in scoring. After he played in the Top Prospect Game in the CHL he went back to Spokane and scored something like 30 goals in 32 games - then drafted first round. It took him about 2 seasons to get his confidence.
Then he goes to Winnipeg (Van AHL team) and the same thing - starts out on the 3/4 line and slowly gets comfortable and gets confidence. Ends up on the first line and PP and takes the Moose to the Calder Cup finals and is the best player on the team.
Van calls him up - he plays a few games and does well but never gets the full confidence and comfort level. Still doesn't have it iFLA and gets send down.
Now he is on the isles and you are seeing the SAME cycle play out before your eyes. Now he is getting comfortable - now he is getting confident. He will be a 20 + goal scorer this year and will be a 30 goal guy next year. If he keeps building he will be a 40 goal guy and a real NHL all star.
Why doesn't he get 1st line or PP time? He's a rookie...the current coach loves his former AHL boys and is spoon feeding them the opportunity pudding whether they've earned a serving of it or not (not uncommon for AHL coaches who move up in their own system). Also - you've got the whole Boston thing going on with the isles - there is a mini beantown love fest/club happening in this org in case you haven't noticed it.
Old Garth is sitting watching this cylce and thinking - the better this kid gets, the more I will HAVE to pay him and HAVE to play him. Not a bad thing for the isles if you ask me - this kid has the skills and history indicates pretty clearly what is going to happen next - he is going to get more comfortable and more confident and start to explode even more. Isles will be LUCKY to get grabner for the next 2-3 years at $1.5 a year - he would be a steal at that amount because by this time next season or the season after he may be the leading scorer on the team.
Do the math - he's gotten 14 goals on the THIRD line with LIMITED ice time and NO powerplay on th just about the weakest team in the NHL - imagine what he would do on the first line and the PP on this team - check that - imagine what he would do on the first line or the PP on a team that is in first or second place in the conference and has the skill players and coaches to get him the puck in the spots other than in his skates most of the time (which he still manages to find a way to bury 14 times by the way).
good pick up from FLA - good for the isles this year and for the next several if they are lucky enough to sign him to an extention before he lights it up even more, or wins the NHL fastest skater competition, or slams a few hat tricks, or..... any/all of these things could happen and then how much will Garth pay for him?
You are seeing the cycle and birth of a pretty special player here...This is a Alex Burrows, Patrick Elias or Joe Pavelski kind of situation here and the isles have it - good for LI !
To be fair none of his AHL boys are getting a ton of PP time. He had KO for like 20 games but he would be there anyway. He had Nielsen I guess and Andy Mac but both those guys play the point anyway. And thats it out of our main guys, none of em spend a whole lot of time with Cappy in the A.
I don't think Grabs is getting PP time because he is a rookie. Thats all. He'll get it sooner or later and its up to him to capitalize.
I just hope the Islanders re-sign him because he is something special imo.
RW Michael Grabner (Florida)
A prospect in the Vancouver organization for a few years, Grabner always had the blazing speed and skill to play in the NHL. He just needed a roster spot. His big break may have come at the draft when he was traded to Florida. There's a possibility the 22-year-old will play on the Panthers' top line, but even if he doesn't, this is the year Grabner will get - and make the most of - his chance.
Player: Michael Grabner
Team: Florida Panthers
Position: Wing
Impact: Deeper Fantasy Leagues and Keeper Leagues
Analysis: Grabner gave us a small snippet of what to expect from him offensively last season in Vancouver. Now he has moved on to warmer pastures and could really provide the Panthers with some much needed offense in the next couple of years. I’m not sure there is a spot on the roster for him to start the season, however, if he does make it, he should be able to work his way up to the 2nd line if he produces at last year’s clip. If anything, he might be a worthwhile grab for managers in keeper leagues.
The Panthers have acquired forwards Michael Grabner and Steve Bernier and the 25th overall pick in the 2010 entry draft from Vancouver for Keith Ballard and Victor Oreskovich.
We like this trade from Grabner's perspective. The talented winger showed some promise with the Canucks in 2009-10 with 11 points in 20 games and now may get a chance to play alongside Stephen Weiss on the Cats' top line. Watch where he plays in the pre-season, and if it looks as if he will get a prominent role, draft him late as a potential sleeper. Jun. 25 - 10:34 pm et
Source: TSN
Second..he's still very young and more importantly is maturing and improving with age. He can very easily in a few years be a very very good forward. I guess people expected him to be Pavel Bure the second he stepped out onto the ice. Looked at his carrer stats and he only played 20 games last year with Vancover with 10pts i think..not bad. and not for nothing I think his development is at least equal if not ahead of Bailey and KO. They def. have to resign him..he provides speed and goal scoring that this team lacks...certainely an upgrade from Berrgy and Park. And who knows .hes on pace for a 20 goal season this year he might be able to get 30 next year. One side note ..i would also re-sign cuz think he's a f/a also Rob.Schrempt (SP)
Second..he's still very young and more importantly is maturing and improving with age. He can very easily in a few years be a very very good forward. I guess people expected him to be Pavel Bure the second he stepped out onto the ice. Looked at his carrer stats and he only played 20 games last year with Vancover with 10pts i think..not bad. and not for nothing I think his development is at least equal if not ahead of Bailey and KO. They def. have to resign him..he provides speed and goal scoring that this team lacks...certainely an upgrade from Berrgy and Park. And who knows .hes on pace for a 20 goal season this year he might be able to get 30 next year. One side note ..i would also re-sign cuz think he's a f/a also Rob.Schrempt (SP)
Most of the board saw him as another waiver wire Schremp-like pickup. None of us really expected too much from him.
Most of the board saw him as another waiver wire Schremp-like pickup. None of us really expected too much from him.
I understand...but he was drafted in 2006 at 15th or 16th. KO was drafted 7th. I think he didn't get a fair shot on a crowed Vancover team in which they traded him in a package deal. Florida for god only knows waived him without even taking a look at him..incredibly stupid....he could of been pretty good on another offensively challenged team with Booth and Weiss. I mean were not talking about about a 7th round pick here..he's very young...but anyway the Isles lucked out in getting him..florida loss is the Isles Gain....just remember Oli Jokkinen. It took a few seasons for him and getting traded twice (LA to Isles..then Isles to FLa) before he started scoring 90 pts..just sayin
Grabner looks better every game. 1 knock on him was his lack of defensive play. He has been playing very responsibly on D since he has gotten his opportunities. His plus minus is also very respectful for being on a bad team.
His speed allows him to create opportunity, I think its a no brainer to resign him after the season. Also I think he does not get much PP time because many of his opportunities are built off speed and rushes.
I would send Schremp packing after this year if not sooner
Second..he's still very young and more importantly is maturing and improving with age. He can very easily in a few years be a very very good forward. I guess people expected him to be Pavel Bure the second he stepped out onto the ice. Looked at his carrer stats and he only played 20 games last year with Vancover with 10pts i think..not bad. and not for nothing I think his development is at least equal if not ahead of Bailey and KO. They def. have to resign him..he provides speed and goal scoring that this team lacks...certainely an upgrade from Berrgy and Park. And who knows .hes on pace for a 20 goal season this year he might be able to get 30 next year. One side note ..i would also re-sign cuz think he's a f/a also Rob.Schrempt (SP)
Offensive skill?Yes,I agree.
Physical game and defense?No,I can't agree there.Not if we're comparing Grabner and Okposo.
Grabner has impressed me a lot lately and although he is still raw and far from the finished article he is starting to come into his own. Sign him up for a couple of years and see how he develops.
Grabner has shown that he is more than just a speed skating demon. He can actually finish in several different ways. Because he doesn't convert on every single chance he creates people think he is like Lappy or Bates, but he has a very good 14.6% shooting percentage on 103 SOGs.
If Fans could finish a bit better on the rebounds that Grabs creates both would increase their production.
He has turned out to be a real find for us.
The thing that impresses me about him is his 2 way game. He is not a defensive liabilty, as first advertised. He checks, and is good on the penalty kill. Why doesn't this guy get PP time?
he has to be on the point on the PP, at least on the 2nd PP Unit..
That's where he's scored a lot of goals in the minors and in the AHL.
You shouldn't underrate his passing-abilities. His shot is an absolute laser. And he is a good puck carrier and with his speed he can easily get the puck into the offensive zone without that much drop passes the isles are actually.producing.
The thing that impresses me about him is his 2 way game. He is not a defensive liabilty, as first advertised. He checks, and is good on the penalty kill. Why doesn't this guy get PP time?
Agree, but would add that what is most impressive to me is his work ethic. Think he and Franz stand out, night after night, in that department, and in contrast to others on the team. JT as well; others that begin with a J, not so much...
I still his hands need some catching up to his speed. At his top speeds he seems to bobble it a bit...once he learns to control it we're going to see some great one-man-army goals.
So is anyone giving Garth a big thumbs up for this pick up or was it just so obvious to claim him that anyone with half a brain would have done it.
This kid is going to be real good when he tops out, he just keeps getting better and better and I've yet to see anyone able to stick with him stride for stride.
If he keeps playing like this he could very well be in the mix for rookie goals leader by the end of the year. Garth got him, now he has to keep him.
The thing that impresses me about him is his 2 way game. He is not a defensive liabilty, as first advertised. He checks, and is good on the penalty kill. Why doesn't this guy get PP time?
I would think that his speed is best used flashing through the zone rather than setting up on the PP. That and his shot does need some work, once his shot becomes more dangerous I would bet he will get his time on the PP.
What was the knock against him in Florida? Did Tallon and the coaching staff not like his work ethic or something? Simply a lack of production in the preseason? I know he would have gone to the 'A' if he cleared, but I can't imagine Florida entertained any hopes of actually getting a young prospect with those wheels through waivers. Just a very odd move for a team in a somewhat similar rebuild situation.
Kid has been quite a pleasant surprise, another find by Garth and co. that we have to give some kudos for. His speed has been fascinating from the beginning, but now that he's starting to pot some goals, he's really becoming dangerous out there. Have to keep developing him, very fun to watch.
Grabs, JT, and KO (once the legs catch up) are three guys that I find myself unknowingly creeping to the edge of my seat when they have the puck. Good feeling to have, been awhile on the Island.
So is anyone giving Garth a big thumbs up for this pick up or was it just so obvious to claim him that anyone with half a brain would have done it.
The Isles were 5th in the waiver order based on last year's standings, so 4 teams were ahead of the Isles to take Grabner, but 1 was Florida, so really 3 teams.
I still his hands need some catching up to his speed. At his top speeds he seems to bobble it a bit...once he learns to control it we're going to see some great one-man-army goals.
I like Grabner's speed and scoring ability.
I hate his vision and hockey sense.
He's soft, but has been more competitive than I expected and he's gotten much better at that part of his game of late. Still a very small sample size.
He's improved. He's also on a hot streak.
He's the type of player I'd find room on the roster for because of what he brings.
It's having him AND Schremp AND Parenteau AND a struggling Bailey and inconsistent Comeau - add that all up and you have the makings of a lottery team.
Grabner's a bright spot, for sure, I hope he keeps it up.
Quote:
Originally Posted by TennesseeJedd
So is anyone giving Garth a big thumbs up for this pick up or was it just so obvious to claim him that anyone with half a brain would have done it.
This kid is going to be real good when he tops out, he just keeps getting better and better and I've yet to see anyone able to stick with him stride for stride.
If he keeps playing like this he could very well be in the mix for rookie goals leader by the end of the year. Garth got him, now he has to keep him.
garth gets a thumbs up when the isles aren't a perennial lottery team. check the standings before you give props for a "successful" roster move embraced by several dozen head scratchers and on-ice results that are laughable (and attendance)
garth gets a thumbs up when the isles aren't a perennial lottery team. check the standings before you give props for a "successful" roster move embraced by several dozen head scratchers and on-ice results that are laughable (and attendance)
Yeah, you're right. Damn you for spoiling my delusions!
Although in my defense, I still blame Chuckles more than Snow at this point. Hard to comprehensively evaluate Snow when he's got one hand tied behind his back while simultaneously being forced to hop on one leg. Wang on the other hand can go to hell.
Damn you for spoiling my delusions! 
