From 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.
How would you rate Mikhail Grabovski's 2009-2010 season?
| 1 | 8 |
| 2 | 10 |
| 3 | 33 |
| 4 | 65 |
| 5 | 88 |
| 6 | 96 |
| 7 | 47 |
| 8 | 13 |
| 9 | 2 |
| 10 | 3 |
| 11 | 7 |