Fansided

Michael Grabner proving to be huge bargain for Rangers

By Dave Stevenson

Jan 7, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; New York Rangers right wing Michael Grabner (40) lifts the puck over Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Curtis McElhinney (30) for the game winning goal during the third period at Nationwide Arena. The Rangers defeated the Blue Jackets 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; New York Rangers right wing Michael Grabner (40) lifts the puck over Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Curtis McElhinney (30) for the game winning goal during the third period at Nationwide Arena. The Rangers defeated the Blue Jackets 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michael Grabner is on the verge of having a career season for the New York Rangers. 

The New York Rangers knew they had to improve their team going into the 2016 offseason. While their blue line was the clear issue, they knew any huge changes were going to be very difficult, if not impossible, to do. That’s why the biggest change they made on defense was trading for Nick Holden. The Rangers, instead, decided to improve their forwards. One of their moves included signing Michael Grabner to a two-year deal worth $1.65 million a year.

At the time, he was simply signed to help upgrade their fourth line, giving it more speed. Considering Grabner’s speed is his greatest asset, not a terrible idea. But after a hat trick against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday Jan. 7, he leads the NHL in even strength goals with 19.

The Rangers saw something in Grabner they knew they could capitalize on. New York relies a lot on being aggressive defensively. Most of their rushes occur after turnovers. This makes Grabner a perfect fit with the team

“When I signed here I knew the way they were playing and thought it would benefit my style of game,” Grabner said, via New York Daily News. “We’re trying to play a fast-paced game, and it’s been a perfect fit so far from training camp right to now.”

Obviously, his 21.2 shooting percentage is likely going to decline. However, it’s undeniable Grabner seems to finally be living up to his potential he showed early in his career. The 14th overall pick of the 2006 NHL Draft, he played 20 games with the Canucks before a trade to the New York Islanders. In Grabner’s first season with them, he got 34 goals in 76 games. However, over the next five seasons, Grabner hit the 20 goal plateau only once.

Saturday’s game is perhaps his signature performance of the game, as he showed precisely why he’s so dangerous with his game winning goal. This is what the Islanders thought they were getting after his rookie season. However, it’s also something he has rarely shown since then.

It’s been a fun season for the Rangers. And perhaps no player has been more valuable for them than Grabner. On the other side of New York, he’s finally having the success people expected him to have after an impressive 2010-11 rookie season. Just not with the team people thought it would happen with.

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