From all reports, McGrath has been a completely different player this year compared to last. I don't think anybody quite knows what clicked for the guy, but he's playing like the Evan McGrath back in 2002-03. I think the reason the Wings keep picking up these guys is also because they feel that they can make up for a lack of young talent by signing or trading for aging players. That is why they take the high-risk, high-reward type of players, because I don't see them being particularily interested in solid prospects like most teams take. Whether that makes them cunning, or simply priviledged, I'm not sure. One way or another McGrath is making them look good, and on a team with guys like Mike Richards as well, he's the best player right now.
McGrath isn't the only prospect who fell to the fourth round last year after being touted as a potential top 10 pick, who is off a superb start. Wes O'Neill was the defence equivalent to McGrath at the draft last year, and is having a fine start which could earn him a camp invite for Canada's WJC team.
