[Buyout] Mikhail Grabovski

[Dakkster]

Still doesn't beat the one company in Waterloo called Cumming Cockburn... no... seriously...

The sad thing about that is that it's pronounced "coburn" Such a waste...

[Thunder]

I'd be curious to know how Grabovski's TO teammates really feel about his departure.

It was pretty clear how is MTL teammates felt about him after he deserted the team and went asking his agent for a trade because he was a healthy scratch... after playing something like 20 games in the NHL.

People can change and grow I guess; but I wonder whether he ever really has.

When something does not appear to make sense (like, clearly this buyout to many people), it's often an indication that we are missing info.

[Highlander]

I've been beaten up pretty good for suggesting on the fantastic

http://lowetide.ca/blog/2013/07/full-stop.html

thread that Grabovski would be a fantastic addition to the Oilers as a nominal #3 Centre behind Nuge and Gagner.

The principle arguement against being that the $ needed to sign both Grabo and Gags takes the Oilers too close to the cap and, somewhat related, also that the idea that Grabovski wouldn't accept anything less than a top 2 center position - even on a short-term deal.

I still like the idea myself but I'm prepared to accept it as a pipe dream for now but that did leave the question hanging, where is there a fit for Grabovski if we take the premise that he would want upwards of $4 million a year (which I think is fair - even with the Leaf buyout $ coming) and wants to be either a number one or a number two center.

The only team that came to mind for me was Calgary. Any suggestions of where he might find a #1 or #2 pivot chair needing to be filled?

[mounD]

I've been beaten up pretty good for suggesting on the fantastic

http://lowetide.ca/blog/2013/07/full-stop.html

thread that Grabovski would be a fantastic addition to the Oilers as a nominal #3 Centre behind Nuge and Gagner.

The principle arguement against being that the $ needed to sign both Grabo and Gags takes the Oilers too close to the cap and, somewhat related, also that the idea that Grabovski wouldn't accept anything less than a top 2 center position - even on a short-term deal.

I still like the idea myself but I'm prepared to accept it as a pipe dream for now but that did leave the question hanging, where is there a fit for Grabovski if we take the premise that he would want upwards of $4 million a year (which I think is fair - even with the Leaf buyout $ coming) and wants to be either a number one or a number two center.

The only team that came to mind for me was Calgary. Any suggestions of where he might find a #1 or #2 pivot chair needing to be filled?

Buffalo and Florida both seem to be pretty decent options for Grabovski. I'm not intimately familiar with either of their salary cap situations, but I'm pretty sure both teams have the room -- and more importantly the need for a #1 or #2 Center.

[deantime419]

I'm guessing FLA or ANA

[Dakkster]

Anaheim would be perfect for him.

[Mr. Guru]

Anaheim would be perfect for him.

I thought so too, until the Ducks re-signed Koivu for another year.

[Gaborlick]

I've been beaten up pretty good for suggesting on the fantastic

http://lowetide.ca/blog/2013/07/full-stop.html

thread that Grabovski would be a fantastic addition to the Oilers as a nominal #3 Centre behind Nuge and Gagner.

The principle arguement against being that the $ needed to sign both Grabo and Gags takes the Oilers too close to the cap and, somewhat related, also that the idea that Grabovski wouldn't accept anything less than a top 2 center position - even on a short-term deal.

I still like the idea myself but I'm prepared to accept it as a pipe dream for now but that did leave the question hanging, where is there a fit for Grabovski if we take the premise that he would want upwards of $4 million a year (which I think is fair - even with the Leaf buyout $ coming) and wants to be either a number one or a number two center.

The only team that came to mind for me was Calgary. Any suggestions of where he might find a #1 or #2 pivot chair needing to be filled?

I would agree about the EDM thing, but he isn't a third line center and won't go to a team like that. His remarks made that very clear. I bet he is thinking 5 million a season. I could see WASH but I don't know where they are on their cap. I am sure after playing in TO he wants to go to a contender. Makes me think FL isn't a viable option.

[Dakkster]

I thought so too, until the Ducks re-signed Koivu for another year.

Koivu isn't a second liner anymore.

[Mr. Guru]

Koivu isn't a second liner anymore.

I think Anaheim thinks he is. They certainly paid him and play him like one.

[Gaborlick]

I'm a big Grabo fan, but if they are wanting 5mil, I think they might need a reality check. Obviously, if someone was willing to pay him that, he wouldn't have cleared waivers. Unless for some teams, the 800k made a big difference. I doubt it.
PLus, Grabo's rant at Carlyle cost him some money. Teams were probably already leery of his reputation, even moreso now.
I think 3.5 to 4 if he wants to play in the NHL next season.

I was just looking at the market. I think Filpulla's deal messed with his head. I do think he is a better player than Fils though. Grab is so much better. Thats my reasoning for the 5 mil asking price. I can see 4-4.5 as the summer recedes.

[Username]

Anaheim would be perfect for him.

Anaheim or Washington, imo.

[bondon]

Take it with a grain of salt but it sounds like Grabo really wants to stay in the NHL

Dmitry Chesnokov ‏@dchesnokov 8h
Mikhail Grabovski says he is not even considering the KHL, only the NHL. Had only 1 offer from KHL because clubs know he wants to be in NA.

[Username]

Well, he isn't even Russian.

[BlackGold]

Well, he isn't even Russian.

But there is a Belarusian team in the KHL
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HC_Dinamo_Minsk