TSN’s Ryan Rishaug brought news this morning that has set the hockey conversation ablaze on Twitter:
Mikhael Grabovski on unconditional waivers
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) July 4, 2013
Grabovski has been one of Toronto’s top forwards for the last few years, but had a disappointing season under new head coach Randy Carlyle. He’s slated to make $21.5 million over the remaining four seasons of his current contract, unless he clears waivers and the Maple Leafs buy him out.
But as J.R. Lind suggested… should the Nashville Predators claim him off waivers and instantly give themselves an upgrade at the center position? Just short-circuit the entire free agency process and grab a guy who’s already under contract?
| Season | GP | TOI/60 | Pts/60 | Corsi Rel | On-Ice Sht % | On-Ice Sv% | PDO | Pen Take | Pen Drawn | OZ Strt% | Shots/60 |
| 2013 | 48 | 13.34 | 1.12 | +1.0 | 8.5 | 904 | 988 | 0.6 | 0.8 | 36.7 | 6.84 |
| 2012 | 74 | 14.78 | 2.08 | +14.9 | 9.3 | 906 | 999 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 53.0 | 7.30 |
| 2011 | 81 | 14.73 | 2.06 | +21.3 | 9.8 | 917 | 1015 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 50.2 | 8.75 |
| 2010 | 59 | 13.50 | 1.96 | +13.6 | 7.7 | 903 | 980 | 0.3 | 1.4 | 55.1 | 7.46 |
| 2009 | 78 | 13.37 | 1.84 | +3.9 | 7.9 | 900 | 979 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 52.5 | 5.24 |
| 2008 | 24 | 10.31 | 1.94 | -0.6 | 9.3 | 905 | 999 | 1.0 | 1.7 | 54.8 | 5.09 |
Fancy Stats via Behind the Net
This is a guy who typically drives puck possession like a beast, shoots the puck frequently and hit the 20-goal mark in three of the last four full regular seasons.
What’s not to like?
Well, there’s this:
Pretty sure the debate at 501 Broadway is whether taking a chance on a third Belarusian will be the charm.
— Jim Diamond (@diamondhockey) July 4, 2013
The Preds have the 4th chance to take him, after Florida, Colorado and Tampa Bay. Do they dare to pass up the opportunity to acquire a legitimate Top 6 forward, without having to go through the uncertainty of the free agent market?
If you need a refresher on what Grabovsky could bring to the Preds, check out what Marc wrote in this space last year. There is that interesting anti-SK74 angle…
If he’s available, should the Nashville Predators claim Mikhail Grabovski?
| No | 64 |
| Yes | 419 |