Toronto Maple Leafs Sign Mikhail Grabovski
by PPP on Jul 2, 2009 5:45 PM EDT
in News
112 comments
The Toronto Maple Leafs have re-signed their restricted free agent centre Mikhail Grabovski before he could make his way to arbitration. For those that only hear when Brian Burke says that he wants to get tougher this signing is already coming as a shock (read the tsn.ca comments at your own peril). What they forget is that Burke wants the top six forwards to be skilled and Grabovski is definitely skilled. Whether he can build on his 48 point season is another question but at the price and term the Leafs will have enough time to evaluate his long-term potential without taking too big of a gamble.
Grabovski is definitely a popular character around these parts. It all started when he came over around a year ago as one of Cliff Fletcher's best trades during his second run. Turns out, Habs fans hate him with a passion. In fact, the feeling is pretty mutual. Before the season started I was a little skeptical about Grabovski's desire to play in the NHL if he wasn't receiving the playing time he thought that he deserved. Turns out that he would get it and he took full advantage as he became a mainstay on one of the Leafs' best lines. He even got his own Barilkosphere meme after Chemmy unearthed some of the world's most ridiculous pictures. He also starred in my favourite series of fanposts: The Adventures of Grabbo Weeble. Grabbo Weeble searched high and low for Sisu Weeble before returning home.
But what did he do on the ice to make him worth $8.7 million over 3 years?
Those numbers do not look out of this world. There is no doubt that a part of that contract is paying for Grabovski's potential. He meshed well with Niklas Hagman and Nikolai Kulemin for most of the season. Grabovski allied his offensive instincts to excellent skating, a surprising amount of jam for a player his size, and superb strength on the puck. Grabovski also provided Leaf fans with some of the more memorable nights of the year from his work with Ponikarovsky in destroying the Habs to his antics in defence of his honour:
He actually tied for the team lead in penalty minutes which is probably what spurred Burke to get in players that were actually tough. One of my friends mentioned that he can't wait to see how big Grabovski will play now that he has the goon squad behind him. Some people were not impressed with his Montreal outburst but I think we can all agree that his double peace sign exit from the Bell Centre was indeed high comedy. Grabovski might agitate his own teammates but I'd rather a guy that's trying too hard in practice over a loafer.
This was Grabovski's first full campaign in the NHL and it was clear from some of his slumps that he needs work on his long-term fitness even if he played almost 30 minutes(!) a game for Belarus at the World Championships. One thing that has endeared me to Grabovski is his willingness to work. Even in March he knew that he had to improve some aspects of his game. The Leafs provided him with a workout plan prior to the summer:
Based on Monday's fitness tests, each player will be given a personalized workout plan that they will be expected to follow this summer. Anyone who does not show improvement, Wilson said, will not be in a Leafs uniform next season.
I would assume that, based on the emphasis that Dave Morrison placed on the workouts at the draft, that Grabovski is progressing well. I thought I was putting pressure on him to even match Sergei Berezin's impact as a Leaf but if he fails it looks like it won't be for lack of effort.The community was confident that Grabovski would re-sign despite Burke intimating that asking for arbitration was a nuclear option. We also seemed pretty confident that Grabovski is most likely to improve among the forwards from last year's team. I think that's pretty clear in everyone's reaction. We'll learn a bit about the wisdom of crowds after these three seasons. I don't think that he'll develop into a first line centreman but he certainly has the tools to potentially anchor the second line going forward. We'll have three years to find out if he can reach his potential.
0 recs |
112 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
i’ve watched that you tube clip three times this week.
glorious game…
"If you are going through hell, keep going." Sir Winston Churchill, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Jul 2, 2009 5:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
that’s no good. You need a cause!
"Life is just a place where we spend time between games. Hockey is where we live, where we can best meet and overcome pain and wrong and death." - Fred Shero
by Karina on Jul 2, 2009 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he rocked the world at Worlds
Как же так может быть? - Finland fails at life. Seriously, someone please adopt me?
by sleza on Jul 2, 2009 6:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m just so damned happy he’s back. Everything else is gravy.
"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09
by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 6:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Darren Dreger
reporting that The Monster is still non-commital after meeting with Burke (per Burke)
"Life is just a place where we spend time between games. Hockey is where we live, where we can best meet and overcome pain and wrong and death." - Fred Shero
by Karina on Jul 2, 2009 6:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What part of pineapple death does this kid not understand? If he hasn’t figured we’re the place to be from everything that’s been shown to him, his judgement is starting to make me nervous. :)
"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09
by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know the Leafs have limited options if the team doesn’t sign Gustavsson, but would it kill him to set an actual date and quit dangling us around? I have no problems whatsoever on the Leafs or any team trying to woo him. But him saying, “I haven’t decided yet” has been the same answer for months. Of course, I’m probably being quite callous, since his mother did die recently and is affecting him more than I’m willing to admit.
Supporter of the Sergei Berezin "Give and Go" - You give me puck, then you go to hell
by bkblades on Jul 2, 2009 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He did….Saturday noon our time….he will make his choice.
by wayne scarlett on Jul 2, 2009 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This kid is getting on my nerves. Make a decision already.
A Nation of Masochists TRUCULENCE isn't just a word, it's a way of life.
by furcifer on Jul 2, 2009 6:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
seriously
hey kid, wanna be a part of an iconic sporting franchise that is trying to build itself into something special?
no?
go ____ yourself
"If you are going through hell, keep going." Sir Winston Churchill, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Jul 2, 2009 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
now now
he hasn’t said no. He’s an only child, lost his father first, now his mom, and is looking at making a huge decision that will change his day to day life. If I was in his position, I may do the same (although probably not, I made the decision to accept a job and move out here in about 4 days).
"Life is just a place where we spend time between games. Hockey is where we live, where we can best meet and overcome pain and wrong and death." - Fred Shero
by Karina on Jul 2, 2009 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he’s lost kitten… burke needs to show him the light
Как же так может быть? - Finland fails at life. Seriously, someone please adopt me?
by sleza on Jul 2, 2009 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he wants light?
grab a stars uni.
seriously, whatever. he’s not going to change this teams direction over night. he’s being offered the chance to play for his favorite players NHL team. By all media accounts, a dream come true.
Yes, losing a family member is hard. But if he’s not ready, then raise the white flag and call it a day.
I’ve had my fill of humming and hawing Swedish indecisiveness.
"If you are going through hell, keep going." Sir Winston Churchill, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Jul 2, 2009 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
does he want to play?
yes or no?
nothing cold about it. i get he’s going through a hard time, i really do. you have no idea how much i get it. but if i’m running a team that needs goalie help and i’ve got a kid who’s obviously a little shaken up, i sure as hell better have a plan b. i need to have options, and i need to know intentions. the longer you drag your feet, the less interested you look, regardless of circumstances.
at the end of the day, it’s a business. if he takes until december then decides he wants to play for ottawa, are we all gonna say, “sweet kid, tough choice, good on him for finally getting it sorted out.”
"If you are going through hell, keep going." Sir Winston Churchill, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Jul 2, 2009 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think the loss of cammy is hurting you more than you’re letting on blurr.
cold….
by daoust on Jul 2, 2009 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think when you’re all crying about what a horrible team we have around January or so, i’ll be the most chipper one here…
nowhere to go but up.
:)
"If you are going through hell, keep going." Sir Winston Churchill, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Jul 2, 2009 6:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no crying. if we suck, so be it… at least we’ll be entertaining (thanks to pugnacity/truculence) and shaping up for a good draft pick.
don’t worry man – things are gonna get better!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwQZ4oTu4Wk
sorry, going youtube crazy for some reason.
by daoust on Jul 2, 2009 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the option is JS Guigierre (or however you spell it).Personally,I would rather see Harding come in,if the Monster wants to take a year.He apparently has to decide between the NHL and the Swedish club team…soon.
by wayne scarlett on Jul 2, 2009 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
/backs slowly and run
Как же так может быть? - Finland fails at life. Seriously, someone please adopt me?
by sleza on Jul 2, 2009 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve had my fill of humming and hawing Swedish indecisiveness.
agreed and rec’d
One year of this is enough. I don’t want another summer full of will he or won’t he.
A Nation of Masochists TRUCULENCE isn't just a word, it's a way of life.
by furcifer on Jul 2, 2009 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think you guys both need a little bobby m…
by daoust on Jul 2, 2009 6:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Trade Tosk for J-S, bring up Pogge
Than the Leafs have a goalie tandem full of Jiggery-Poggery!
SWISH
by Godd Till on Jul 2, 2009 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agrre completely
Whats this kids name again? Jonas Gustavsson? More like Jonas Sundin, amirite gaiz?
"Remember all the days you spent alone with just your T.V. set, and I, well I can barely smile"
by Blinky on Jul 2, 2009 7:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or “Jonas Meaquestioniwontansweritinatimelymanner,” hey?
SWISH
by Godd Till on Jul 2, 2009 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he probably
called Sundin for advice and was told to take as long as he wants
"Life is just a place where we spend time between games. Hockey is where we live, where we can best meet and overcome pain and wrong and death." - Fred Shero
by Karina on Jul 2, 2009 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ha!
recd
"If you are going through hell, keep going." Sir Winston Churchill, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Jul 2, 2009 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m actually a bit surprised the Leafs got him to even sign him for under $3 million. Unless he wears pineapple slices as glasses (and I’m not putting that past him), you would think Grabovski had some leverage since the Leafs didn’t sign a top-6 forward during free agency.
And hey, Grabbo is probably not a 1st line centre, but admit it, last season wouldn’t have been half as fun without his crazy ass.
Supporter of the Sergei Berezin "Give and Go" - You give me puck, then you go to hell
by bkblades on Jul 2, 2009 6:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
And I voted a) only because I would’ve liked 4 years. That should take up to the Cup win….
"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09
by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 6:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Too many people saying
it feels just right because he was our only solid scorer we contemplated bringing back.
Signing him for 3 years for almost $3 million a year only feels “right” if he produces about 60 points next year and 70 the year after that.
"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."
- Sir Winston Churchill
I'm pretty sure he's talking about the Leafs.
by Steve@Leafs.HockeyAnalysis.com on Jul 2, 2009 6:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
meh
the Habs picked up a guy who can score between 60 and 70 points and they’re paying him $7.5 mill. Just under $3 is OK with me for now. I still would have preferred $2.5 though.
"Life is just a place where we spend time between games. Hockey is where we live, where we can best meet and overcome pain and wrong and death." - Fred Shero
by Karina on Jul 2, 2009 6:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
C’mon Steve get with the spirit.
KOMIKAZI!!!!1
A Nation of Masochists TRUCULENCE isn't just a word, it's a way of life.
by furcifer on Jul 2, 2009 6:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and Grabovski too.
A Nation of Masochists TRUCULENCE isn't just a word, it's a way of life.
by furcifer on Jul 2, 2009 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Meh...
Just “not over the moon yet Steve” works fine for me.
I’m glad they’re going with youth, I just don’t want us to turn into the Broad Street Bullies particularly… I’ll be more impressed when we actually improve the aspects of our game I think are relevant to winning – i.e. defense, puck possession, goaltending… rather than the whole punching other guys in the face side of things.
I know being tough is relevant, I just think Burke is turning it into a sideshow… I’d rather have guys that can play and do all that.
"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."
- Sir Winston Churchill
I'm pretty sure he's talking about the Leafs.
by Steve@Leafs.HockeyAnalysis.com on Jul 2, 2009 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aside from Orr, I think he’s gotten guys that are both tough and can play….
For some reason I have faith in Exelby, although it’s completely unfounded.
"Life is just a place where we spend time between games. Hockey is where we live, where we can best meet and overcome pain and wrong and death." - Fred Shero
by Karina on Jul 2, 2009 7:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think you’re underestimating the entertainment value of guys punching other guys in the face.
and your comment about grabbo having to score 60-70 pts to earn his $2.9M doesn’t jive with me. how many guys scored 60-70 pts last year and were earning less than $3M (or are earning less than $3M now, after signing a new contract)? not many, especially if you exclude guys on entry contracts still. which is just another reason why poni is frickin awesome.
by daoust on Jul 2, 2009 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree with you here, daoust. I don’t disagree with Steve about the terms, but really, who else was out there that the Leafs could have signed? Grabovski got the right money and term for the context I’m putting him in – Grabs wanted $3 to 3.5 million per season. The Leafs got him for $2.9 million. It was a concession from both parties, since the Leafs were likely not going to sign him for $2.5 million and Grabs wasn’t going to get $3.5 million from Burke.
Again, Grabbo’s contract isn’t likely going to hinder the Leafs from taking on more salary or prohibiting them from signing more free agents. His salary is only high in the context of what most fans wanted to see him get, rather than what Grabovski wanted to get and what the Leafs were willing to offer.
Supporter of the Sergei Berezin "Give and Go" - You give me puck, then you go to hell
by bkblades on Jul 2, 2009 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I really think that he acquired a lot more than just people who can throw a punch.
this defence is big, mobile, defence-first, and mean. Teams are going to pay a price to gain the zone this year. In an 82 game grind of a season, that is going to be a definite asset. Imagine if Montreal has to play on back-to-back nights against Boston & Toronto. You think after having a tough go against Chara, Wideman & Lucic the night before, that they will want ANY part of our defence? I sure as hell don’t. The kids (Grabovski, Kulemin, Mitchell, etc.) are going to play bigger because they know we can throw down with anybody now. That’s a damn worthwhile investment in my books.
We had four pressing needs; scoring, defence, goaltending, and team toughness. We’ve addressed toughness, and I think we have a defence that will be much more sturdy. The Monster could go a long way to improving the goaltending, and I like that we’re being prudent about improving the scoring, by first giving our kids a chance first.
Back to Grabovski. Antropov’s got 59 & 56 points the last two years; that was worth $4M to Atlanta. In the last 3 seasons, Havlat scored about a point a game; that was worth $6M. If we get 48 points out of Grabovski again, I think we’re getting full value for him. If he becomes more consistent with experience, I could easliy see him getting 60+ points. That would be a downright bargain at $2.9M.
Resident Capologist
by clrkaitken on Jul 2, 2009 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
You’re always signing players for their potential output. Considering that the price is good.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jul 2, 2009 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
call me crazy
but signing and paying for potential, on the short term at least, is far more palatable than signing and paying for what they did…
"If you are going through hell, keep going." Sir Winston Churchill, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Jul 2, 2009 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So…are you saying that they aren’t paying for potential here?
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jul 2, 2009 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no
agreeing with you. I like paying a kid who seems to be geared towards proving himself with a little more than he’s probably worth, but a little less than he wants.
I think it says we have faith in his abilities, but it’s up to him to prove he’s worth even more.
"If you are going through hell, keep going." Sir Winston Churchill, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Jul 2, 2009 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gotcha
Hopefully he sees this three year deal as an audition. He’ll be 28 and he can get a solid 5 year deal if he performs.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jul 2, 2009 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
(843): the red head has a bf
(1-843): just because there's a goalie doesn't mean u can't score
by wrap around curl on Jul 2, 2009 6:36 PM EDT reply actions 7 recs
“You know what? He murdered that fruit”
sounds like a great catch phrase
by The Meatriarchy on Jul 2, 2009 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
first Grabbo goal of the season: “He murdered that Fruit, son!”
Mee-Mee-Meep Meep Go Leafs Go Meep Meep! MEEP!!!
by blindfolded tank driver on Jul 2, 2009 9:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s a hate crime where I come from.
"We can categorically state that we have not released man-eating badgers into Iraq"
- Major Mike Shearer
by article1 on Jul 3, 2009 12:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i do love that so
"If you are going through hell, keep going." Sir Winston Churchill, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Jul 2, 2009 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
meanwhile
Elliote Friedman is reporting that LaRose re-signed with the Canes.
And that the Astros-Padres game is delayed because a swarm of bees decended upon the field.
"Life is just a place where we spend time between games. Hockey is where we live, where we can best meet and overcome pain and wrong and death." - Fred Shero
by Karina on Jul 2, 2009 6:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
well
to be fair, San Diego does have killer bees. seriously.
"If you are going through hell, keep going." Sir Winston Churchill, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Jul 2, 2009 7:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
fair enough
just interesting that it could happen.
"Life is just a place where we spend time between games. Hockey is where we live, where we can best meet and overcome pain and wrong and death." - Fred Shero
by Karina on Jul 2, 2009 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brute Squad + Grabby = good times
Keep firing Assholes!
Out out, you demons of stupidity!
by Ubernoober on Jul 2, 2009 7:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I love Grabbo because he’s crazier than a shithouse rat. ‘The Monster’ … he can pound salt.
by Stittsville Sluggo on Jul 2, 2009 8:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
At least the craziness of Grabbo is going to be around for a little longer! Nice deal, a smidge more than 2.5 per but than who cares if he succeeds for the Leafs
Mee-Mee-Meep Meep Go Leafs Go Meep Meep! MEEP!!!
by blindfolded tank driver on Jul 2, 2009 9:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He doesn't have one of those limity NTCs does he
by The Meatriarchy on Jul 2, 2009 9:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wouldn’t be surprised. There are literally hundreds of NTCs in the league.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jul 2, 2009 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of Grabbo Weeble, blue with age is pretty prescient- the Leafs did indeed show him the money- I’m not sure if it was cash on the floor of his apartment, but he be wobblin’ all the way to the bank.
"We've had an ongoing problem with Grabovski this year." Bob Gainey, 4/04/09
by kidkawartha on Jul 2, 2009 9:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh Grabs
The pineapple thing always gets me.
I’m actually happy with the money we’ve given him, if he continues to improve then it’s a reasonable sum, if he doesn’t and either fucks off to Russia or gets traded it’s a moveable amount.
I think the most important part if the length, because Grabbo is still a borderline NHLer. If he’s not on the top 6 he’s no good for anybody, and for the time and opportunity he got his numbers haven’t proved him yet. We’ll wait and see, but I’m glad he’s getting the opportunity.
by koopa kid on Jul 2, 2009 9:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yay!
I love me some Grabbo, if it wasnt for Schenners, he’d be my favourite current Leaf
Entertainment for days
Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option
by JaredFromLondon on Jul 2, 2009 10:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. Besides, they’ve got to sign someone who might score.
by Mirinov's Nose on Jul 2, 2009 10:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pineapples beware!
Being a Leaf fan here requires one to be sufficiently lubricated!
by stucky on Jul 2, 2009 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like my Belorussians the way I like my women. Crazy and with wild hair.
"We can categorically state that we have not released man-eating badgers into Iraq"
- Major Mike Shearer
by article1 on Jul 2, 2009 10:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
One thing seems clear: Grabbo is poised to become one of the Leafs’ most popular players this upcoming season. Beyond Schenn, there isn’t a lot to get immediately excited about, but Grabbo brings excitement to every game, to every shift, win or lose. To get a guy like that for less then 3 mil. a season is a steal and it’ll be a treat to watch him mature and develope into his prime. Expect to see a lot of Grabovski jerseys sold this year.
by general borschevsky on Jul 3, 2009 12:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yah, that and he will piss off Montreal. Thats worth 500k a year, easy.
"Great spirits have often encountered violent opposition from weak minds."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jul 3, 2009 12:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Grabo will help Stefanovich adapt..
Montreal signed him in the first place to keep A. Kostitsyn company. But they ended up hating each other. Especially when younger brother Sergei came into the picture. But the Belarussian thing with Stefanovich is not a small part of the equation. Mikhail has really underachieved in North America to this point.
Ironically, part payment for Grabovski was Greg Pateryn, a big, offensively skilled right side defenseman at the University of Michigan who could one day replace Mike Komisarek in Montreal. Pateryn is not quite the size of Komisarek, but he is 6-3, 230 already, and he is just 18. He was in tough at Michigan with the depth they had on defense last year (4 defensemen drafted in the first two rounds by NHL teams), and he was the youngest player on the team. But this year should tell what he can become. Very underrated prospect, he played close to the level of John Carlson in the USHL a year ago, and he is both bigger and younger than Carlson. Greg was more impressive in the league than John Moore (who spent two years there), taken in the first round of this year’s draft, and he is just a few months older.
I guess there will be a certain closure if Pateryn becomes what I think he can. :)
by robert ethan on Jul 3, 2009 12:37 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hmm, I didn’t know the 49 goals scored by Mikhail Stefanovich last season (and an additional 11 goals in the playoffs) is a sign of an underachiever.
Supporter of the Sergei Berezin "Give and Go" - You give me puck, then you go to hell
by bkblades on Jul 3, 2009 12:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
bk… dont bother
The Leafs may not win everygame, but they will beat the shit out of you
Truculence FTW
by leafer1984 on Jul 3, 2009 12:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
…relative to what was expected of Stefanovich when he came over, it is underachieving. He was expected to be a top 5 draft pick when he was still in Belarus. But the kid has a lot of talent, and was a good value pick where the Leafs got him. Pretty sure that was a large factor in the attraction of Grabovski when they acquired him. But Grabo is a decent talent in his own right, and is too dumb to be afraid of anyone or anything.
by robert ethan on Jul 3, 2009 12:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
IIRC, the Leafs wanted Grabovski before they drafted Stefanovich. I believe he was part of the aborted Sundin to the Habs deal.
"We can categorically state that we have not released man-eating badgers into Iraq"
- Major Mike Shearer
by article1 on Jul 3, 2009 12:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are shittng on a guy who almost 50 goals in the Q, and a guy who popped in 20 in the NHL last year and talking up a guy who is playing in college?
You are just a troll.
The Leafs may not win everygame, but they will beat the shit out of you
Truculence FTW
by leafer1984 on Jul 3, 2009 12:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
hahahahaha
u r too funny….
a Top 5 pick, who fell, to the 4th round…
right. too rich robert, too rich.
tell, me is english your first language? because i’m thinking if you’re serious, there’s a lot getting lost in translation.
"If you are going through hell, keep going." Sir Winston Churchill, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Jul 3, 2009 12:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why do you guys bother with this guy all the time? Seriously, he just a massive troll!
The Leafs may not win everygame, but they will beat the shit out of you
Truculence FTW
by leafer1984 on Jul 3, 2009 12:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because we’re bored?
"We can categorically state that we have not released man-eating badgers into Iraq"
- Major Mike Shearer
by article1 on Jul 3, 2009 12:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
there's that
"If you are going through hell, keep going." Sir Winston Churchill, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Jul 3, 2009 12:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ya but he is a troll who thinks stats are the be all end all.
I just read your argument with him about Komi vs Kubina. You should have stopped when he said he has the most talent and upside on the team now.
The Leafs may not win everygame, but they will beat the shit out of you
Truculence FTW
by leafer1984 on Jul 3, 2009 12:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
…Stefanovich absolutely was considered to be a top draft pick before he came to North America. He had one of the biggest “falls” in draft rankings over the course of the year ever recorded. But he is better than a fourth rounder once he adapts to the North American game.
Pateryn is a big tough right handed defenseman at the University of Michigan, which is what Komisarek was when the Habs drafted him. Seems like an interesting circumstance to me.
Why are you such a jerk, leafer? Or is that statement self explanatory.
You little grunt.
by robert ethan on Jul 3, 2009 1:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cuz I see you come on these boards repeatedly to stir up shit.
The Leafs may not win everygame, but they will beat the shit out of you
Truculence FTW
by leafer1984 on Jul 3, 2009 1:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
robert, in case you forgot, you’re in a Leafs sight, trolling (that’s what it’s called…)
please keep the name calling in check. thanks.
"If you are going through hell, keep going." Sir Winston Churchill, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Jul 3, 2009 1:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
thanks buddy!
The Leafs may not win everygame, but they will beat the shit out of you
Truculence FTW
by leafer1984 on Jul 3, 2009 1:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
..Uhhhh….check where the “name calling” originated.
Buddy.
by robert ethan on Jul 3, 2009 1:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
When you go on other teams fan sites and start talking up your own team OR putting down the other teams, that is affectionately known as a troll
In Internet slang, a troll is someone who posts controversial, inflammatory, irrelevant, or off-topic messages in an online community, such as an online discussion forum or chat room, with the primary intent of provoking other users into an emotional response1 or to generally disrupt normal on-topic discussion
The Leafs may not win everygame, but they will beat the shit out of you
Truculence FTW
by leafer1984 on Jul 3, 2009 1:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was expected to be a top 5 draft pick when he was still in Belarus.
If you’re going to write things like that then you should have a link to prove it.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jul 3, 2009 1:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
payment for Grabby was a 2nd rounder. The Habs just happened to draft that guy……
"Life is just a place where we spend time between games. Hockey is where we live, where we can best meet and overcome pain and wrong and death." - Fred Shero
by Karina on Jul 3, 2009 12:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
…nope, trade was for 2nd rounder (which Gainey frittered away on Robert Lang) and Pateryn who the Leafs drafted just a week earlier. I think he was taken in the fifth round, but he could be a real steal.
by robert ethan on Jul 3, 2009 1:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
thanks for bobby e clarifying. Karina said 2nd rounder, but you are correct, it was actually a 2nd rounder.
"If you are going through hell, keep going." Sir Winston Churchill, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Jul 3, 2009 1:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
..is everything just a BLURR to you (since 1974)?
What I said (shake the head so the eyes line up) is “a 2ND ROUNDER AND GREG PATERYN WHO THE LEAFS DRAFTED THE WEEK BEFORE”. Sorry my computer is not BRAILLE ENABLED.
by robert ethan on Jul 3, 2009 1:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
dear troll
i’m going through all your previous troll comments on the other SBN hockey boards right now.
you’ve been called out as a troll on the Boston boards, quite funny actually. Seems fairly unliked over there.
Do i need to keep reading troll? Or have I guessed your game?
"If you are going through hell, keep going." Sir Winston Churchill, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Jul 3, 2009 1:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He already got banned from EOTP which says something about playing nice with others.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jul 3, 2009 1:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
bingo ringo
i’m done.
sorry triple p…
"If you are going through hell, keep going." Sir Winston Churchill, a Leafs fan...
Stalk me here...
by blurr1974 on Jul 3, 2009 1:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry as well triple P.
Done as well
The Leafs may not win everygame, but they will beat the shit out of you
Truculence FTW
by leafer1984 on Jul 3, 2009 1:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
…LOL, you really are BORED. Get a life.
If I came here and said that Mike Komisarek was a cheap shot pylon who the Habs would have for lunch 8 times a year, maybe you can accuse me of being a “troll”. But it is you who are saying that, essentially, while I’m defending ONE OF YOUR PLAYERS. Who I happen to be a fan of. The fact that he has changed teams has nothing to do with that.
by robert ethan on Jul 3, 2009 1:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If I came here and said that Mike Komisarek was a cheap shot pylon who the Habs would have for lunch 8 times a year
You’d sound more like most Habs fans!
Anyway, just dial it back a bit. There’s obviously a reason you got banned from EOTP so keep in in check. You’re welcome to come here and talk hockey but remember the first line of the community guidelines: This is not HockeyBuzz.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jul 3, 2009 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you really are BORED. Get a life.
I find it funny that you say that when you have a strange, some would say obsessive infatuation with Landon Ferraro. Almost every post you’ve made on other sites on SB Nation has been about how Landon is the 3rd best player in the draft and your conspiracy theory that his dad told him to downplay his talent to lower his draft ranking (which makes no sense at all and is based solely on your conjecture)
A Nation of Masochists TRUCULENCE isn't just a word, it's a way of life.
by furcifer on Jul 3, 2009 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
…LOL, looks like all of your favorite pastimes is digging through the garbage to see what came down the chute last week.
Happy Hunting and enjoy your meal.
by robert ethan on Jul 3, 2009 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
looks like all of your favorite pastimes is digging through the garbage to see what came down the chute last week.
Glad you admit that what you say is garbage.
A Nation of Masochists TRUCULENCE isn't just a word, it's a way of life.
by furcifer on Jul 3, 2009 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Alright
Guys, disagree with him or ignore him but don’t encourage his name-calling.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jul 3, 2009 1:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
....fine
The Leafs may not win everygame, but they will beat the shit out of you
Truculence FTW
by leafer1984 on Jul 3, 2009 1:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
These guys are just miffed because they can’t find any fault with the evidence I present to establish my argument.
If you can show a point where I’ve said something false (or even misleading) then there is cause to complain. Otherwise what is the point of having “discussion” boards if everyone has to chant in unison.
by robert ethan on Jul 3, 2009 1:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
These guys are just miffed because they can’t find anyfault with theevidence I present to establish my argument.
/FIXED
A Nation of Masochists TRUCULENCE isn't just a word, it's a way of life.
by furcifer on Jul 3, 2009 7:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, what bothers them is when you say outrageous things like Stefanovich was going to be a top 5 pick without any proof.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jul 3, 2009 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
..I’m sure there is someone in Leafland who knows as much about their own prospect as I do, who could verify that. Not that I think it is an “outrageous” statement by any means. But they aren’t likely to step into a situation where a pack of mutts is jumping on a new dog. They will just keep on walking.
Stefanovich was on all the lists that come out a year or so before the draft listing the most likely top prospects. They are usually 5 or 10 players, and admittedly largely conjecture at that point. But Stefanovich was more productive at the same age in Belarus than the Kostitsyn brothers or Grabovski at the same age. More productive internationally for Team Belarus as well. Plus he was 6-2 and over 200 pounds when he was 16 or so.
by robert ethan on Jul 3, 2009 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe you’re thinking of the KHL Draft. He was 2nd overall.
A Nation of Masochists TRUCULENCE isn't just a word, it's a way of life.
by furcifer on Jul 3, 2009 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well
Here’s what I found which suggests that he certainly fell but not that he was a top 5 pick. Again, feel free to actually prove it with links since that’s the best way to respond.
Hockey’s Future had him as the best skater out of the Q and headed towards the last 20 picks.
The Hockey News had him going 25th in their mock draft before last year’s draft.
The ISS had him as the 24th ranked skater in the draft in December 2007.
So there’s lots of proof that the Leafs got a good player in the draft that fell to them but no proof that they got a player that had been ranked in the top 5.
But they aren’t likely to step into a situation where a pack of mutts is jumping on a new dog. They will just keep on walking.
heh having been on prospect sites if they had anything to say they’d jump in paws first ready to nip at everyone’s tail.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jul 3, 2009 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also
Here’s a compilation of 2008 draft rankings. No way did:
a. a kid fall from top 5 to 50 in some rankings
b. no way did that fall happen without a lot of publicity.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Jul 3, 2009 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
Related FanPosts on Pension Plan Puppets
Related FanShots on Pension Plan Puppets
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
SBNation.com Recent Stories
StatCounter
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
