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TSN's Bob McKenzie brought the news earlier today:
NSH puts Brian McGrattan on waivers.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 26, 2013
McGrattan has been with the Milwaukee Admirals for the last couple weeks on a conditioning stint, so this indicates the Predators don't want to hold an NHL roster spot for him going forward.
As I've said many times before, there's little practical value in having a heavyweight enforcer around these days, when that player can't take a regular shift and play at least 8-10 minutes of competent hockey a night. Go back and check out his (admittedly highly entertaining) fights as a Nashville Predator. How many had anything to do with the game being played? How many had to do with stopping a player from roughing up a teammate, or retaliating for such an incident?
I'd say that number is darned close to 0.
McGrattan is a well-liked player, and his personal story is worthy of respect and admiration. If the Nashville Predators are serious about contending for a Stanley Cup, however, they can't spare a roster spot on a player who simply doesn't help them win hockey games.
We should know around noon on Wednesday whether or not another team claims McGrattan off the waiver wire. If nobody bites, the Predators can assign him to the Admirals' roster full-time, at his NHL salary of $600,000.
