Michael Grabner

[Russian_fanatic]

If you could compare his game to an NHL player who would it be? Where do you think he will get drafted?

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[Fedz]

I really like his skill set.

I have him going to 18th Overall.

 

[Anthony Mauro]

Maybe a Maxim Afinogenov comparison? Speed and scoring are his main strengths. I'd say he presents that pure finesse, playmaking ability to catapult him into the top 20.

 

[CJB]

Maxim Afinogenov is fast. I remember a Buffalo v Rangers game during early, mid- season where he basically dominated the entire game with speed although for most of his chances he couldn't finish.

 

[RayLeeCharles]

Maybe a Maxim Afinogenov comparison? Speed and scoring are his main strengths. I'd say he presents that pure finesse, playmaking ability to catapult him into the top 20.

Thats a pretty dead on player comparison. Watching Grabner in the 2nd half of the season, was like watching Afinogenov when he shows up with more goal scoring ability though. Whoever gets him will be happy, especially if he keeps on developing like he has.

 

[timlap]

Maybe a Maxim Afinogenov comparison? Speed and scoring are his main strengths. I'd say he presents that pure finesse, playmaking ability to catapult him into the top 20.

Afinogenov doesn't strike me as a real natural goal scorer. He is a magician with the puck but doesn't have a scoring touch to match. 22 goals is not bad, but considering his elite skills . . .

I wonder (and I am only guessing) if Grabner is (potentially) a better scorer but not a match for Afinogenov in shiftiness and puck handling (not many are).

Comments?

 

[Nich]

at 21 to the NYR

 

[Russian_fanatic]

Do you think Grabner can become a first liner in the future? Who would you compare his game to(I like the comparision of a faster Cheechoo)? How many goals do you think he can put up at the NHL level?

 

[Amadeus]

Do you think Grabner can become a first liner in the future? Who would you compare his game to(I like the comparision of a faster Cheechoo)? How many goals do you think he can put up at the NHL level?

He doesnt have the shot of Cheechoo but he's a great skater. I compare him to a pooor man Gaborik ( Grabner isnt as fast as Gabby though ).

 

[Russian_fanatic]

He doesnt have the shot of Cheechoo but he's a great skater. I compare him to a pooor man Gaborik ( Grabner isnt as fast as Gabby though ).

You think he has the potential to be a first liner?

 

[Amadeus]

Yes!

A pure scorer like him can easily reach the top line, however, i do think he'll need to improve his defensive game. He's not all great defensively, i heard. Defense can be taught though so thats good news, whereas Offense cant really be taught...

 

[Russian_fanatic]

Yes!

A pure scorer like him can easily reach the top line, however, i do think he'll need to improve his defensive game. He's not all great defensively, i heard. Defense can be taught though so thats good news, whereas Offense cant really be taught...

When I've seen him play, he was good defensively. He wont cost you, because IMO he has good hockey instincts.

 

[Vman]

Do you think Grabner will be taken 14th overall by Vancouver or would that be too early?

 

[BuppY]

Do you think Grabner will be taken 14th overall by Vancouver or would that be too early?

Might trade down a few spots. If they want him.

 

[Amadeus]

Grabner is my pick to move up in the draft actually.

I truly believe if Little, Sheppard, and Tlusty are all gone by the time Leafs pick, and they are not able to trade down, they'll go for Grabner, because of our need for scoring wingers.

 

[monster_bertuzzi]

He's pretty small at 5'11'' 168 pounds, but he's a pure sniper. I've seen him play live once, his hockey instincts are definitely above average as someone else pointed out.

 

[Fan.At]

He's pretty small at 5'11'' 168 pounds, but he's a pure sniper. I've seen him play live once, his hockey instincts are definitely above average as someone else pointed out.

According to centralscouting.nhl.com he is 6'0 170.

When I watched him back in Austria i was impressed with his grit and defensive game, he looked skilled, but not all that much that I expected him making it big as scorer. But he seems to have developed quite nicely in that area.

 

[insider]

Is it just me or does he sound a lot like Vanek did in his draft year? And not just cause he's Austrian.

 

[Fan.At]

Is it just me or does he sound a lot like Vanek did in his draft year? And not just cause he's Austrian.

IMO they are not comparable. Grabner is a smoother skater than Vanek is, also quicker, he is gritty and has good defensive abilities. Vanek plays more of some kind of power game, he sees to be able to walk right through people and apparently has yet to show up defensively. I think down the stretch Grabner might rely more on stickhandling and quick skating than Vanek who will use his body more.

 

[nuckfan insk]

Do you think Grabner will be taken 14th overall by Vancouver or would that be too early?

apparantly so

 

[Kuzmenkshow]

apparantly so

Ya that was a pretty damn good call.


PS - Please say "Do you think Pronger and Elias will sign in Vancouver for half a mill and Havlat is traded here for Cloutier " IT COULD HAPPEN

 

[Amadeus]

Grabner is my pick to move up in the draft actually.

I truly believe if Little, Sheppard, and Tlusty are all gone by the time Leafs pick, and they are not able to trade down, they'll go for Grabner, because of our need for scoring wingers.

I nailed one too. Han? han??? han??

 

[Lars]

Grabner is my pick to move up in the draft actually.

I truly believe if Little, Sheppard, and Tlusty are all gone by the time Leafs pick, and they are not able to trade down, they'll go for Grabner, because of our need for scoring wingers.

 

[#66]

I'll go with a Satan-type as far as being a streaky goal scorer with sweat hands. I like that he said that he has to work on some things.

 

[Russian_fanatic]

Overall I'm happy that we "grabbed" Grabner.