New York Rangers: Can Michael Grabner Maintain Production?
New York Rangers forward Michael Grabner made headlines last season as he was a surprise x-factor for the Blueshirts. The question is whether he will return to reality or stay red hot in his second stint in New York.
The New York Rangers found a hot deal off the discount rack last off season when they signed free-agent Michael Grabner to a two-year deal worth $3,300,000.
Everyone seemed to think that Grabner was coming to New York to serve as a lesser version of Carl Hagelin, but that hypothesis was proven wrong when he turned out to be one of the team’s leading goal scorers.
Grabner was the missing puzzle piece in Head Coach Alain Vigneault’s up-tempo quick transition style of hockey.
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It was a question all season as to when Grabner would return to earth and if his fruitful production was just a streak, but he served to be an offensive threat in the Rangers bottom six forwards every night.
Grabner, who was selected 14th overall in 2006, is known around the league for his remarkable speed. Most of his scoring comes from the odd man rush opportunities he creates as well as breakaways, which Ranger fans got used to last year as he was getting almost at least one per game.
No goaltender in the league wasn’t vulnerable once Grabner went full throttle in their direction while leaving the other 10 men on the ice in the dust.
He was arguably the most clutch player in the lineup last season, as he pulled through on a plethora of occasions in times where the Rangers needed goals most.
I don’t think any Ranger fan can forget the Jan 7. game in Columbus last season when the Blueshirts rallied back from a 4-2 deficit in the third period to win 5-4 at the hands of Grabner himself. He scored a hat-trick and the go-ahead goal with 13 seconds remaining in the game.
That game proved to be the defining moment for Grabner as a Ranger, as it was clear at that point that his production wasn’t just a hot start; Jeff Gorton just scored a sleeper.
Grabner now heads into his second and final year on his contract with the Rangers, as well as the final year of his twenties. Can he carry his good fortunes on Broadway into this season? I think so.
The Austrian is projected to play on a line with the young Russian talent, Pavel Buchnevich, who can match Grabner’s speed, as well as the seasoned newcoming center, David Desharnais, who can feed Grabner in the right places at the right times.
Vigneault will likely keep him as a depth forward to keep some scoring punch in the bottom six. Depth is going to be key for the Rangers band of forwards this season after the departure of Derek Stepan who the Rangers opted not to replace.
There is plenty of talent amongst the forwards within the organization but it is no secret that to stay a contender this year, the pressure is going to be heavy on a number of players, especially proven talents such as Grabner.
Next: Kevin Hayes Stepping Into a Key Role
If the Rangers want to maintain consistency this year, it is no season for Michael Grabner to return to earth.