There is no doubt in my mind Grabo will bounce back on a top 2 line... But i dont think hes a 70 point player regardless.. 60 tops, and thats pushing it after last season. But at 5.5 mil and with the other centers we could potentially sign or trade for, he is EASILY upgradable in the top 6 role, and probably for a guy cheaper then 5.5.. Id rather have Bozak then him to be honest, i like Bozaks game better. Grabo is a powerfull skater and has a hard shot when he can get it off but thats about all i see in his game. He gets in on the forecheck well but doesnt seem to do much except maybe disturb the defense like a fly, barely makes actual strips on it, i think Mclaren was a lot more effective on the forecheck then Grabo was.
Those who say Grabo excelled in Carlyles shutdown role... Your very wrong, Mcclement excelled in the shutdown role when given the oppurtunity, Grabo really just skated around a lot with pretty defensivley aware wingers. When you look at the Boston series, he was -11... That doesnt spell a good shutdown line to me, looks like his defensive play and softness was one of the main reasons we lost. I understand hes playing against a good line, but if your a shutdown line, your only effective if you shut it down... Bolland will be much much better at this role, absolutely can not wait for him to come in.... I havent fully decided who i want on his wings though, i think Carter Ashton may be a good fit although his passing game isnt great his cycle game is great, hes great on the forecheck and is a terrific two way player with grit. Biggs is also a defensivley aware player whos good on the forecheck and adds toughness, but he may be a tad young to jump in.... D'amigo is a great PK guy who has a tireless work ethic and good playmaking off the cycle and can score clutch goals, but hes small, but stocky. Id like one of these guys to play the 3rd line with Bolland. But Grabos got to go, ill give Kulemin one more year unless another team is interested in him.. Hes big, Strong, but overrated defensivley, good on the PK but 5 on 5 not very good defensivley in my opinion... Again -11 a lot of those last minute Bruins goals were his fault if you go back.