Scoring 10 goals over the course of the first 16 games, New York Rangers forward Michael Grabner is playing out of mind.
This past July, the New York Rangers decided to pick up some 29-year-old forward. That someone — a guy who ultimately flew incredibly under-the-radar — goes by the name Michael Grabner. The speedy penalty-killing specialist scored just nine goals in 80 games last season for the Toronto Maple Leafs.The former 30-goal scorer was a quiet signing for the Rangers this summer. Coming off a season full of struggles, Grabner received a chance from the Rangers to prove he can be that 30 goal player again, and he has done that (and more) so far this season.
In the first game of the season for the Rangers, Grabner faced his former team, the New York Islanders. He scored the first goal of the season for the Rangers and has done a lot of scoring ever since.
Grabner has incredibly put up 10 goals through the first 16 games. Only Winnipeg’s young Patrik Laine has tallied more (11).
Grabner has made a name this season and has utilized himself as one of the fastest players in the league. His linemates Kevin Hayes and J.T Miller love his speed. Grabner recently had this to say, “I use my speed to make space and create chances for my teammates,” via Amanda Borges of newyorkrangers.com.
Grabner is effective on the defensive end as well for the Rangers. He has 10 blocked shots and nine hits, which are good stats for a player with his astounding offensive output.
In a year for Grabner to prove his potential to his former teams, it couldn’t have started any better. His hockey star, Big Apple stardom, and overall production on the ice has improved daily.
Grabner will continue building on his fan favorite status the rest of the season. Expect more out of him this year as seven goals over his last eight games could be a slight sign of what’s to come the rest of the way.
There are no words right now. This guy is playing out of his mind. Second tonight, 10th of the season. 3-1 #NYR. #MichaelGrabner pic.twitter.com/tCVUOycvpd
— Elite Sports NY (@EliteSportsNY) November 14, 2016
Grabner has been a big upgrade to Carl Hagelin. Both players utilized their speed and used it to make plays, but Grabner has something Hagelin didn’t have, and that’s his ability to score.
More than skill, his mentality seems to be spot on. It seemed as though he wanted to prove to the Islanders and the Maple Leafs, that they slipped up by giving up on him.
In 2010, Grabner was placed on waivers by the Florida Panthers. He has been through many ups and downs through his playing career, but it is proven that he has overcome most of them.
The next thing Grabner wants to add to his long list of achievements is a Stanley Cup, and prove to all the people that gave up on him that giving up wasn’t a good choice.
From waivers to second-leading goal-scorer in the NHL, this man has come a long way.