2009-2010 Mikhail Grabovski
by PPP on Jun 13, 2010 2:55 PM EDT
in Reading the Tea Leafs
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PrintFrom Beauchemin to Stalberg, we're taking a look at and grading (please read the criteria below) the 2009-10 season for every player who laced 'em up for the Maple Leafs for a significant number of games during the campaign, with an eye towards 2010-11. That means only guys that are still property of the Maple Leafs. We're doing this in concert with Maple Leafs Hot Stove. Next up, Mikhail Grabovski.
Mikhail Grabovski
#84 / Center / Toronto Maple Leafs
5-11
179
Jan 31, 1984
Years in the NHL: 2
Became a Leaf: From Montreal via trade for Greg Pateryn and a 2nd July 3, 2008
Contract Status: 2 years left in a 3 year contract worth $8.7M; $2.9M cap hit
Today's Maple Leaf Hot Stove's turn. Garrett Bauman will be taking the reins.
Talented albeit inconsistent, Grabovski has held down the second-line centre job in Toronto for two seasons, with mixed results. A flashy player who scored 20 goals in his rookie season, Grabovski’s tenure in Toronto has featured as many moments of offensive brilliance as head-scratching decisions (both on the ice and off).
Listed at 5′11″ and a generous 182 lbs, the feisty 26 year-old Belarussian plays a much more aggressive style than his size would indicate. Although he has done a passable job in the #2 centre role, questions remain as to whether he fits GM Brian Burke’s long-term vision of the club. Under contract for two more years, the enigmatic forward may find himself on the trading block should a top centre become available (via trade or FA) to the Maple Leafs.
Read the Full Profile at Maple Leafs Hot Stove and come over the jump for more.
Audience Participation
Rate Garbovski below on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the best) based on his performance relative to his potential and your expectations for the season - if he had the best year you could have imagined him having, give him a 10; if he more or less played as you expected he would, give him a 5 or a 6; if he had the worst year you could have imagined him having, give him a 1.
The Discussion
What is the likelihood we will see Grabovski suit up for the Maple Leafs in 2010-11? Do you think he will be traded in the off-season, during the season, or finish the year as the Leafs’ second-line centre?
Eye-Candy
What a nutter. I love it.
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Still waiting for the Stanley Cup to go to the Canucks.....
3
Sub-par season for Grabovski. Besides the fact that he was injured for ~20 games, his ppg dropped by a few points. His shooting percentage came back to earth. After a staggering 16.7 in 2008-09, he shot a much more realistic 7.9 this year.
I think Grabovski has already reached his max potential. He’s a 12-15 goal, 50 point center. Not a bad contract by any means, but the Leafs aren’t going to get overachievement relative to his cap hit. I don’t think he’s in the Leafs long term plans, and he’s definite trade bait this summer.
5
he was about what I expected, maybe not as crazy, but before he got injured he seemed to be putting together a little bit more of a complete game,
My Fan Base Can Beat Up Your Fan Base
by JaredFromLondon on Jun 13, 2010 3:19 PM EDT reply actions
I'm scared
you and I have been voting the same….frightening.
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jun 13, 2010 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Also
What the hell is with those shitty trade proposals over at MLHS??
3 way deals, for serious?
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Jun 13, 2010 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Expect them to only get more outrageous the closer we get to deadline day.
Toronto Maple Leafs - Sons of '67: A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Jun 13, 2010 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions
You mean the draft, of course. Yeah… things are even gonna get a little crazy around here too, I bet.
"Defense! Defense! Common! Do you call that blowing!?"
at least they have calmed down with the bobby ryan stuff as of late
a few of em are still convinced the Leafs will get James neal for Kaberle though
My Fan Base Can Beat Up Your Fan Base
by JaredFromLondon on Jun 13, 2010 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions
If it works in NHL 10 it’ll work in real life. C’mon Jared!!! don’t you know that?
A Nation of Masochists
1967 - Owning the drought since 2010
5
Wasn’t great, wasn’t brutal, I wish he would play a bit better. I’d like to see him on a line where he actually fits instead of just bumping around between the 2nd, 3rd and 4th line with different linemates every night.
Of course, there’s always this:
Toronto Maple Leafs - Sons of '67: A drinking team with a hockey problem.
11 – Mikhail Grabovski is easily one of the best Leafs to ever suit up in blue & white, ahead of both Wendel and some Gilmour joker with cow legs. People think he’s crazy but he’s just passionate, not to mention truculent and downright awesome. It’s a sin that he receives only 2.9 million per year. Grabs and Burke need to sit down and re-structure that contract to give him at least 6-7 million.
Everyone wants that new number one forward? Look no further. The presser tomorrow is actually to announce Grabo as the new captain, contrary to these foolish “Phaneuf” rumors.
Fast, dynamic, physical, amazing… Grabovski is untouchable.
A daily Leafs discussion where I do most of the talking Maple Stir-up
And now I'm on Twitter! TweetUp
The presser tomorrow is actually to announce Grabo as the new captain, contrary to these foolish "Phaneuf" rumors.
That would actually be hilarious.
Toronto Maple Leafs - Sons of '67: A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Jun 13, 2010 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions
quiet, you.
Pension Plan Puppets -A Toronto Maple Leafs Blog: Pineapple Free Thanks to Mikhail Grabovski
by Sergei Puckizin on Jun 14, 2010 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
5.
He could have been better this past season, but I wasn’t totally disappointed with Grabbo either. Ideally, I was looking for a slight improvement on his rookie season point totals, but he did take WAY fewer penalties, going from 92 PIm to just 10. Also, he improved from a -8 to a +3 on an unbelievably bad team. Not a bad performance.
"Defense! Defense! Common! Do you call that blowing!?"
There were not as many pineapples playing on the Habs this year, of course.
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Jun 13, 2010 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I voted a 5. After the year he had last year I had a feeling there would be a bit of a letdown. The fact that he was injured for long stretches also did not help him build any sort of momentum for the year, which thankfully was a bit of a writeoff for all involved anyway. In any case, onward and upward, better days ahead for everyone.
Professional cusser causer.
by T is for Truculence on Jun 13, 2010 5:22 PM EDT reply actions
graboo, grabbo.... grabbo
sergei berizin 2.0. not a diss but he is what he is. package him up and get something you really love bri bri.
something about him and jason spezza and the “perpetual neutral zone turn over machine” sticks in my mind.
by mick mcgeough on Jun 13, 2010 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions
It’ll be hilarious comparing this to the Kulemin article.
Remember that at $3M Kulemin would make more than Grabovski.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
But Grabbo scores more!
My Fan Base Can Beat Up Your Fan Base
by JaredFromLondon on Jun 13, 2010 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions
no, Vorobiev has a heart issue and won’t be insured to play in the NHL
My Fan Base Can Beat Up Your Fan Base
by JaredFromLondon on Jun 13, 2010 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions
I voted 10, but will change my vote when the appropriate 11 is added. What’s the matter with you people?
I am Mikhail Grabovski's smirking revenge.
Leafer and his grabbo hating ways used his IT powers to take out the 11
My Fan Base Can Beat Up Your Fan Base
by JaredFromLondon on Jun 13, 2010 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions
cant vote from phone
If I could, it would be 2 or 3. When healthy, I didn’t find him to be all that effective.
Sorry guys, but I am part of the trade Grabbo when a better alternative is found group. I hope I end up eating my words
Fairweather fans can go to hell
Equal oppurtunity asshole
by leafer1984 on Jun 13, 2010 7:46 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
5
Only because injury hampered his ability to achieve more. He needs to come ready to go at camp, because we need him up in that 7-8 range every night next season
Brain: The irony of it all, Pinky. Years of trying to take over the world, and all I had to do was say "truculence".
Follow me I'm Boring!
by blindfolded tank driver on Jun 13, 2010 7:55 PM EDT reply actions
Easy 7
Without the injury, Grabovski puts up a 50 point season; though with a shift to less goals and more assists. In ‘08-’09, Grabovski had a ridiculous 16.7% shooting percentage; this year it fell to 7.9%. His actual number is probably around 10-11%, which would have resulted in 3 to 4 more goals this year.
He’s a good energy player who’s great at establishing pressure in the zone, and one of the few tricksters on the team when it comes to imaginative plays. Sure you can knock him for his faceoff numbers, but that is a skill that can be taught.
I don’t know why people are so ready to throw away a $2.9M, 26 year old, 50+ point player.
I've always wanted to be a PPP Princess. You see kids, you can be anything you want to be; so long as Jay Leno doesn't also want to be that.
I’m incredibly hopeful Burke finds the prototypical power forward to play with Bozak and Kessel, so that Kulemin and Grabovski can anchor a very fun to watch second line.
Make it happen, Burkie. I wanna Grab some Lemons all year long.
Resident Capologist
you just gotta buy me dinner first
My Fan Base Can Beat Up Your Fan Base
by JaredFromLondon on Jun 13, 2010 8:32 PM EDT up reply actions
BCWW
Brain: The irony of it all, Pinky. Years of trying to take over the world, and all I had to do was say "truculence".
Follow me I'm Boring!
by blindfolded tank driver on Jun 13, 2010 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions
2010-2011
Trade Kaberle to NJ for Clarkson/Corrente/ATL 2nd rd pick 2010
Sign Afinogenov 3 years 2.5M (aprox.)
Sign Kariya 2 years 3.5M (aprox.)
Kadri plays 9 or less games in nhl and spends rest of year in AHL
Future lines(goals, assists)
LW C RW
Kariya(25, 40)-Bozak(18, 42)-Kessel(44, 26)
Kulemin(26, 22)-Grabovski(25, 25)-Afinogenov(24, 30)
Stalberg(20, 22)-Irwin(5, 17)-Clarkson(15, 10)
Sjostrom(5, 8)-Hanson(6,10)-Orr(3,3)
Left Dman Right Dman
Phaneuf(14, 36), Schenn(8, 17)
Beauchemin(9, 19) Komisarek(4, 9)
Gunnarsson(6, 24) Cornette(5, 10)
Giguere 20-17-4 2.50GAA 912SV%
Gustavsonn 20-12-9 2.60GAA 915SV%
Team Record: 40-29-2-11 93 Points 7th or 8th seed
Why playoffs?
Top 6 is full of speed and skill. Kadri is one of the biggest forward prospects we had in years so lets let him develop properly in the AHL. Burke make him spend a year in the AHL just like he did with B Ryan. The 3rd line is a checking line that is fast, big, and can score at times. The 4th line is good defensively and Colton Orr will beat the F*CK outta out :)
The Defense is one of the best in the east. The Top pairing of Phaneuf and Schenn will bring shivers down Spezza’s spine. Komisarek might even make Gomez cry. Cornette is a great 2-way defenceman. Holzer, Mikus, Aulie need another full season in the AHL. They will step in after Beauchimen’s contract is over in 2012.
WHAT DO YOU ALL THINK? is this feasible?
by Schenn4captain on Jun 13, 2010 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions
staying the hell away from Karyia, he is useless
My Fan Base Can Beat Up Your Fan Base
by JaredFromLondon on Jun 13, 2010 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions
if not kariya then ray whitney. We need a veteran in the top 6 that can score.
by Schenn4captain on Jun 13, 2010 10:14 PM EDT up reply actions
neither
The Leafs dont need to tie up cap space JUST to have a vet in the room, they should at least bring one in that can be effective on the scoresheet
My Fan Base Can Beat Up Your Fan Base
by JaredFromLondon on Jun 13, 2010 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Vet in the room eh?
Phaneuf, Komisarek, Beauchemin, JSG, Orr. Surely one of those five is a veteran yes?
I've always wanted to be a PPP Princess. You see kids, you can be anything you want to be; so long as Jay Leno doesn't also want to be that.
Whoever is playing on that top line needs to be able to go into the corners and screen the goalie. Also, I think Afinogenov is going to want more than 2.5m after a 60 point season. Instead of chasing to mediocre free agents, why not just go after Marleau?
by YakovMironov on Jun 13, 2010 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Marleau would obviously be a great addition as he can score and has leadership however it was rumored that him and Ron Wilson didn’t like each other. I could be wrong, and I hope I am but I think Marleau wouldn’t want Wilson as a coach. Also I suggested a 2 year deal to sign Kariya and maybe that was too long. If we sign a veteran top 6 forward like Ray Whitney for 1 year it isn’t really wasting cap room because it is not like we are in desperate need for cap space this upcoming season. I thought Kariya and Whitney could be good veterans to bring in because they are players that Kadri can learn from because they do play similar styles as small skilled danglers.
by Schenn4captain on Jun 13, 2010 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions
I remember hearing something about that too, but I think it was just Howard Berger trying to piss off Leafs fans, so I dismissed it. Marleau did however have his worst season the last year Wilson was coach in SJ, and I’m sure he was called out on a regular basis. If a veteran top six guy were to make sense for Toronto, I’d argue Bill Guerin, and since Kadri may not be a Leaf next season anyway, I wouldn’t build around what’s best for him.
by YakovMironov on Jun 13, 2010 10:43 PM EDT up reply actions
If burke decides he wants someone bigger and younger instead of Kariya or Whitney than Frolov is the way to go if Marleau and Kovy are asking for too much. Frolov in his past 5 seasons has atleast 50 points. At one point he was projected to score 40 goals and like YakovMironov said we need someone who is able to go into the corners and Frolov is able to do that with his 6’2 220lbs frame. Of course signing him is a risk because the kings had problems with his attitude this season because he was lazy however when was the last time burke was scared of a risk. Frolov 4 year 4.5M would get it done. Playing on the first line he can project to be 30 goals, 30 assists. He’s turning 28 soon, so we would have him until he’s 32.
Frolov will score more than Guerin and since Frolov won’t be just a one year quick fix; Kessel and Bozak can gain chemistry with Frolov for years to come. Guerin does bring playoff experience however I don’t think that will be the concern for next year. Frolov is the same size as Guerin, but Frolov is 12 years younger, plays leftwing and can score 70 points.
by Schenn4captain on Jun 13, 2010 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Then we convince Afinogenov to change his name to Bafinogenov so we can have a KGB line.
Can it before I drive this truculence through your faceulence and put you in an ambulance.
by Brunswick Bruiser on Jun 15, 2010 8:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Gotta give him a 7. He had a decent year, about the pace that he had the year previous with worse linemates. Everyone’s just scapegoating him right now due to him having a new contract, which is a long run Toronto tradition – they love ya till a leaf-authored, non-rookie contract hits effect
gRABS
grabs, sevens, decent year except for wrist injury, has to realize hes not OV and should dump it in, plays bigger than his generous 5"10 180 frame, had some overtime magic with Kulie that would be a good second line, but hey if we can package him with Kabs to obtain a top flight talent mehhh wouldnt really miss him… Berezin 2.0 is a good fit for him… Use him till the trade deadline to give Kadri some time to develop
Jembries
Why trade Grabovski again? He’s got a good contract relative to the numbers he puts up and what he brings to the team in terms of crazy, speed, an tenacity.
I've always wanted to be a PPP Princess. You see kids, you can be anything you want to be; so long as Jay Leno doesn't also want to be that.
there is only two reasons he gets traded
1- a legit 1st line center is brought in
2- Kadri comes in and tears shit up
My Fan Base Can Beat Up Your Fan Base
by JaredFromLondon on Jun 14, 2010 8:15 AM EDT up reply actions
and even the, there is the option to move him to the wing
My Fan Base Can Beat Up Your Fan Base
by JaredFromLondon on Jun 14, 2010 8:17 AM EDT up reply actions
I hit him with a 6, only because I didn’t see the 11 before I voted!
Was having another solid year before the injury, and was starting to round back into form at the end of the year. I’m betting he puts up another 60 pt campaign if he isn’t hurt.
Agree with a poster above though, he needs a healthy season with min 50 pts to stay valuable on a young team that’s (hopefully) going to be acquiring more top 6 assets.
Pension Plan Puppets -A Toronto Maple Leafs Blog: Pineapple Free Thanks to Mikhail Grabovski
by Sergei Puckizin on Jun 14, 2010 12:44 PM EDT reply actions
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