James Mirtle: “That is an awful lot of prospects to give up for Grabner, but Leafs in position where they weren’t going to have room in AHL for everyone.”
Bob McKenzie: “Of the players TOR gave up, goalie Gibson may be most notable with best chance to get to NHL but TOR chose Sparks and Bibeau over him.”
Bob McKenzie: “As for NYI, Isles had learned to live without Grabner while he was injured and he’s being paid $5M this season on a $3M AAV. Major savings.”
Jonas Siegel: “Lamoriello on Grabner: “His speed pushed the defencemen back. He’s the type of player that what he has, you can’t teach.”
Justin Bourne: “Isles didn’t have room for Grabner in playoffs, owed him more than his cap hit (anti-Isles). Throw prospects at wall, see if 1 sticks thing?”
Scott Wheeler: “Grabner tied for first among #Isles forward in G/60 last season, despite finishing with just 8G in 34GP. Tied with Anders Lee, ahead of JT.”
Hockey Insider @DarrenDreger on why the @MapleLeafs acquired Grabner on Day 1 of camp http://t.co/SpYpSA91QI pic.twitter.com/7LzgnINVWu
— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) September 17, 2015
In case anyone was wondering, no salary retained in that Leafs-Islanders Grabner deal.
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) September 17, 2015
Key to TOR-NYI trade (6 players) was TOR losing 4 contracts, from 49 to 45, to get flexibility to sign PTOs or make waiver claim or trade.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) September 17, 2015
If Grabner can stay healthy, TOR likes his speed/skill. Leafs didn't consider any of 5 players they moved as part of their future.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) September 17, 2015
Of the players TOR gave up, goalie Gibson may be most notable with best chance to get to NHL but TOR chose Sparks and Bibeau over him.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) September 17, 2015
Newest Leaf Michael Grabner tied with ex-teammate Frans Nielsen for 2nd most shorthanded goals in NHL since 2010-11 (1st: Brad Marchand- 15)
— StatsCentre (@StatsCentre) September 17, 2015