News:Michael Grabner scored his first playoff goal as the Islanders were eliminated from the playoffs Saturday.
Analysis:Michael Grabner's goal in the third period looked to be the game-winner until the Penguins tied the game with about about five minutes remaining. Alas, it wasn't meant to be.
News:Michael Grabner scored his 16th goal of the season as the Islanders continued their playoff quest with a 5-4 shootout win over Winnipeg on Saturday.
Analysis:Michael Grabner's tap-in goal looked to be the game-winner until a late power-play tally tied the game. Grabner is always dangerous with his speed but has also been a threat around the net of late, showing that he is not a one-trick pony.
News:Michael Grabner scored twice in Tuesday's 5-2 win over Florida.
Analysis:Michael Grabner now has 15 tallies on the season and is once again an offensive threat. He actually had a chance for the hat trick late in Tuesday's contest, but his stick broke on the opportunity.
News:Michael Grabner scored his 13th goal of the season in a 4-1 win over the Flyers on Tuesday.
Analysis:Michael Grabner is well known for his breakaways, but his last couple goals have come on shots from the slot, so he's finding open ice too. He's entrenched on the third line now, so any offense he can give the Isles is a bonus.
News:Michael Grabner scored his 12th goal of the season in the Isles' 4-2 win over Tampa on Saturday.
Analysis:Michael Grabner no longer plays on one of the top two lines so that has eliminated some of his scoring chances, but he still has speed to burn and is a breakaway threat every time he is on the ice.
News:Michael Grabner opened the scoring Tuesday night with his 11th of the season in a 3-2 win over the Capitals.
Analysis: The goal was his first since returning from a shoulder injury a week ago. He's being bounced back and forth between the second and third lines, hindering his fantasy value.
News:Michael Grabner (shoulder) will return to action Thursday against Montreal.
Analysis: As a result, Eric Boulton will sit Thursday, while Michael Grabner, who has 10 goals and 13 points in 26 games to date, returns after a three-game absence.
News:Michael Grabner (shoulder) could come off IR for Thursday's game against Montreal, Newsday reports.
Analysis: If that happens, Michael Grabner, who has missed the last three games, would most likely work on a line Thursday with Marty Reasoner and Matt Martin.
News:Michael Grabner (shoulder) has been placed on IR retroactive to March 10.
Analysis: David Ullstrom has been called up by the Isles to help fill the void created by the absence of Michael Grabner, who so far is looking at 7-10 days or so on the shelf.
News:Michael Grabner will miss time with a shoulder injury.
Analysis: The report notes that there is no timetable for Michael Grabner's return, but the winger -- who has 10 goals and 13 points in 26 games to date -- will be re-evaluated in 7-10 days.
News:Michael Grabner could be in line for an increase in ice time, according to Newsday's Arthur Staple.
Analysis:Michael Grabner has 10 goals for the team but isn't being used as much as some other forwards. Coach Jack Capuano stated earlier this week that Grabner could/should see more ice time yet Grabner only played a little over nine minutes in Saturday's game, his lowest total with the team.
News:Michael Grabner scored his 10th goal of the season in a loss to the Rangers on Thursday.
Analysis: Unfortunately for Michael Grabner and the Islanders, it was their only goal of the game. Grabner has now scored in three straight games, finding the goal-scoring touch that eluded him last season.
News:Michael Grabner scored his ninth goal of the season Tuesday as the Islanders beat Montreal, 6-3.
Analysis:Michael Grabner seems to have found his goal-scoring touch again this season. This one wasn't on a breakaway, but rather a deflection off an opponent's skate right onto his stick that allowed him to deposit the puck into an open net.
News:Michael Grabner scored his eighth goal of the season for the Islanders as they defeated Ottawa in a shootout on Sunday.
Analysis: Only a late goal by Ottawa prevented Michael Grabner's mark from being the game-winner. Grabner is always a threat to score as his skating ability makes him a breakaway waiting to happen, but unfortunately he has better legs than he does hands and is unable to put a majority of those 1-on-1's home.
News:Michael Grabner scored his seventh goal of the season in the Isles' 4-0 win over Buffalo on Saturday.
Analysis:Michael Grabner has seen some time on the third line since the return of Josh Bailey. Still, he is good for a breakaway a game, and has gotten better at converting them this season.
News:Michael Grabner scored his fifth goal of the season in the Islanders 4-2 loss to Pittsburgh on Tuesday.
Analysis:Michael Grabner is once again using his speed to his advantage. He is a breakaway waiting to happen game in and game out. He is solidly entrenched on the Islanders' second line and should continue to get plenty of scoring opportunities.
News:Michael Grabner scored twice (once into an empty net) and added an assist in Thursday's win over the Leafs.
Analysis: Grab's off to a hot start, piling up five points in three games. If he can put last season's sophomore slump behind him, the Isles could have a fairly intimidating offense -- and fantasy owners could reap a huge profit.
News:Michael Grabner said he's fully healed from an abdominal muscle tear suffered while playing in Austria in November, New York Newsday reports.
Analysis: As a result, Michael Grabner will be available on the Islanders' second line when the regular season kicks off. Grabner compiled 32 points and a minus-18 rating in 78 games last season.
News:Michael Grabner suffered a lower body injury while playing in Austria, according to the Islanders Point Blank.
Analysis:Michael Grabner is expected to resume playing around the middle of January so if there is an NHL season (January 19), he should be good to go.
News:Michael Grabner will play for Austria during the lockout, according to the Islanders Point Blank.
Analysis: The NHL cancelled the first two weeks of the season Thursday due to the lockout with more games almost certainly to be lost down the line.
News:Michael Grabner scored his 20th goal of the season in Saturday's 7-3 loss to Columbus.
Analysis:Michael Grabner scored 34 goals last season so 20 is certainly a disappointment. Grabner still has great speed, but his inability to finish breakaways was a big part of the reason for the difference in goals from one season to the next.
News:Michael Grabner scored his 18th and 19th goals of the season in Thursday's win over the Jets, including the game-winning goal at 19:13 of the third period.
Analysis: This season has certainly been a far cry from Michael Grabner's 34-goal 2010-11 campaign, but at least he's found a positive note to end on. Grabner had collected just three points in his previous 19 games. At just 24 years old, though, a player of his talent makes for an intriguing late-round flier for next year's drafts.
News:Michael Grabner scored just his third goal since February 11, putting up a tally in Tuesday's win over Pittsburgh.
Analysis: Those owners that banked on a repeat of Michael Grabner's 34-goal rookie season have been woefully disappointed, much like the Islanders' coaching staff. Grabner has a few games left to salvage the year, but he's been highly inconsistent this season.
News:Michael Grabner will be a healthy scratch Thursday against New Jersey, according to Newsday's Arthur Staple.
Analysis:Michael Grabner had been dealing with an illness, but he's apparently past that and now is in the healthy scratch category. Grabner, who had 34 goals last season, has just 15 goals 25 points in 63 games to date to go along with a minus-14 rating.
News:Michael Grabner (illness) will not play Sunday against New Jersey, according to Newsday's Arthur Staple.
Analysis: As a result, Nino Niederreiter will once again take his spot in the Isles lineup Sunday.
News:Michael Grabner will miss Saturday afternoon's tilt against the Bruins due to an illness, according to the Islanders' official Twitter feed.
Analysis: Nino Niederreiter will take his spot in the lineup. Michael Grabner has tailed off a bit this season with just 25 points in 63 games after a 34-18-52 line last season. He's also gone six games without a point.
News:Michael Grabner scored twice, including one into the empty net, in Saturday's 4-2 win over the Sabres.
Analysis: He has three goals in his last three games. He's well off his 34-goal pace of last season but he now has 13 in 41 games. He could be heating up.
News:Michael Grabner has gone six games without scoring a goal for the Isles.
Analysis: This streak sort of coincides with the groin injury he suffered against Dallas in early December. Michael Grabner may not have that burst of speed that he needs to get by opposing defenders. He is off the pace he set last season with 34 goals but that has mainly been because of his lack of scoring on breakaways this year.
News:Michael Grabner, who sustained a groin injury in the Islanders' 5-4 win over Dallas on Saturday, will return to the lineup Thursday against the Blackhawks, according to Katie Strang of ESPN New York.
Analysis:Michael Grabner will have missed just one game, though he was pointless in his three prior to that and stands at 11 points in 24 games on the season.
News:Michael Grabner (groin) is not skating with the team, according to Newsday.
Analysis:Michael Grabner injured the groin Saturday. Since he has yet to hit the ice, he seems unlikely to play until next week at the earliest.
News:Michael Grabner (groin) is expected to miss a few games, according to the Islanders Point Blank.
Analysis:Michael Grabner's speed makes him a dangerous player, so the Isles may be cautious with him and make sure he is 100 percent healthy before letting him play again.
News:Michael Grabner (groin) did not practice Monday, NewYorkIslanders.com reports.
Analysis: It's difficult to see Michael Grabner suiting up for Tuesday's game in light of this. He remains day-to-day.
News:Michael Grabner suffered a groin injury during the game Saturday, according to the Islanders Point Blank.
Analysis:Michael Grabner was one of several Isles injured in the game (Rick DiPietro, Nino Niederreiter). Grabner hasn't been scoring at the same pace he was last season, but that wasn't for a lack of opportunities as he has had at least 10 breakaways so far this season. Grabner uses his speed to get those opportunities, so any kind of injury to his legs has to be of particular concern.
News:Michael Grabner had a three-point night (1 G, 2 A) in the Islanders' 4-3 overtime loss to the Flyers on Wednesday night.
Analysis:Michael Grabner is coming off an impressive 34-goal season, but expectations should be tempered until the right winger can begin to once again score on a more consistent basis. Grabner has 10 points through 19 games played this season.
News:Michael Grabner scored his first goal (and first point) of the year in Thursday's win over Tampa.
Analysis:Michael Grabner, coming off a stunning 34-goal season, came into this year with the expectation that he'll build on last year's results, but managed only one shot on goal in the Isles' first two games. It took 'til the third game of the year for him to get off four shots and get on tthe board. He's a mid-tier option on the wing right now, at least until he proves he can be more -- or less.
News: Grabner signed a five-year, $15 million contract with the Islanders on Friday, ESPN's Pierre LeBrun reports.
Analysis: Considering they claimed him off waivers before the start of last year, Grabner was a nice steal for the Islanders last year. There's always a concern over whether a player like Grabner can duplicate his production on a more competitive team, but the Islanders had little choice but to make an investment in him after last year's 52-point showing.
Grabner And The Islanders Have Yet To Begin Contract Talks
News: Grabner and the Islanders have yet to begin contract talks, according to Newsday.
Analysis: The Islanders claimed Grabner off waivers from the Panthers just prior to the season, and he rewarded them with 34 goals and being named a Calder Trophy finalist. Grabner is a restricted free agent, so he will be playing for the Isles next season, but they still would like to sign him to a long term contract. Talks should begin shortly.
News: Grabner was named a Calder Trophy finalist Tuesday, according to Newsday.
Analysis: Grabner had 34 goals and 52 points for the Islanders this season. The Isles may have not had many bright points, but Grabner was certainly one of them as his speed should continue to give opposing defenses headaches for years to come.
News: Grabner potted his 34th goal of the season in Saturday's loss to the Flyers.
Analysis: This speedster has hands of gold. He'll be in competition for the Calder trophy come June.
Isles Expected To Offer Grabner Multi-Year Contract
News: The Islanders are expected to offer Grabner a multi-year deal, according to Newsday.
Analysis: Even if a long term deal can't be worked out the Isles will retain Grabner's rights by making a qualifying offer. Negotiations are expected to begin once the season concludes and with the Islanders close to the cap floor a new contract shouldn't be a problem.
News: Grabner notched two goals Wednesday night, but the Islanders still fell to the Bruins 3-2.
Analysis: With the two goals, Grabner now has 33 on the year, good enough for the rookie lead. He's had a fantastic campaign and will certainly be in the mix for the Calder Trophy at the end of the year.
News: Grabner will play Saturday night versus Carolina, according to Newsday.
Analysis: Grabner had missed a couple of games to witness the birth of his son. Mother and baby are doing great, so back to hockey he goes. We're pretty sure the Hurricanes were hoping Grabner would spend a little more time with the family and get back to hockey next week.
News: Grabner (personal) is on the ice for the morning skate Saturday, the Islanders' official site reports.
Analysis: There's no confirmation from the Isles about his availability against the Hurricanes for Saturday night, but his participation in the morning skate is an encouraging sign for those hoping to have his services available.
News: Grabner (personal) is doubtful for Thursday's game against the Rangers, Newsday's Katie Strang reports.
Analysis: Grabner, who sat out Wednesday's game awaiting the birth of his child, looks pretty iffy for Thursday, so probably the next time he'll be available to the Isles is Saturday against Carolina.
News: Grabner will not play Wednesday because his girlfriend has gone into labor with the couple's first child, Newsday's Katie Strang reports.
Analysis: The Islanders play again Thursday. No word yet on his availability for that contest.
News: Grabner hit the 30-goal plateau Saturday; it came while shorthanded. He also added an assist.
Analysis: He has five goals and four assists in his last nine games. And the shortie was his fourth this season. He's been a waiver gift for the Islanders and is a definite Calder candidate.
Islanders' Grabner Closing In On 30 With Goal Friday
News: Grabner picked up his 29th goal of the year Friday night in a 3-2 overtime loss to Carolina.
Analysis: The rookie winger, who also added an assist in Friday's loss, should be on the shortlist went it comes time to announce the candidates for the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year. He leads them all in goals with 29 and is third in points with 44, eight behind the current leader Jeff Skinner.
News: Grabner scored his 28th of the season Friday night in New York's 4-2 win over Boston.
Analysis: The NHL's rookie of the month for February has continued his strong play into March as he now has three goals and two assists in six games this month.
Isles' Grabner Named NHL Rookie Of The Month For February
News: Grabner was named NHL Rookie of the Month for February, according to the Islanders' web site.
Analysis: Grabner had 10 goals, 16 points, and was a plus-7 in 14 games for the Islanders. He has been quite a find for GM Garth Snow as Grabner was claimed off waivers before the season started.
News: Grabner had a goal and an assist in Tuesday's win over Ottawa.
Analysis: Grabner now has goals in six straight games and is up to 25 on the season. He's as hot as any player in the league right now and he makes a fine option in all formats at the moment.
Grabner Scores Three Including Overtime Winner For Islanders
News: Grabner scored a hat trick including the overtime-winner in Sunday's 7-6 win over Buffalo.
Analysis: Grabner has been "en fuego" as he scored at least one goal in has past five and has 11 points (9G, 2A) during the streak.
News: Grabner had two goals and an assist Friday in the Islanders' 9-3 thrashing of the Penguins.
Analysis: The 23-year-old winger has been playing absolutely lights out over his last 14 games, with 18 points (12G, 6A) during that span.
News: Grabner scored to tie the game in the second period, then again to re-tie it in the third Thursday in an eventual shootout win over Montreal.
Analysis: He's got goals in three straight and has gotten on the scoresheet in 11 of 13 overall, a stretch in which he's collected 15 points. With 19 goals, it appears Grabner may be starting to live up to the potential that made him the 14th pick in the 2006 draft.
News: Grabner scored his 17th goal of the season in Tuesday's loss to Toronto.
Analysis: Grabner now has points in 10 of his last 12 contests. Not too bad for a guy who was claimed off waivers earlier in the season.
News: Grabner won the fastest skater competition in the skills contest on Saturday.
Analysis: This will most likely be the only event the Islanders win this season. All kidding aside, Grabner has been a pleasant find by GM Garth Snow. Snow claimed Grabner off waivers before the season started and has been rewarded as Grabner has 15 goals so far this season. What is even more promising is that six of those goals have come in his last eight games, as Grabner is starting to see more and more ice time, he could even put up bigger numbers in the second half.
Islanders' Grabner Gets Two Points In Loss Wednesday
News: Grabner had a goal and an assist in the Islanders' 4-2 defeat at the hands of Carolina on Wednesday evening.
Analysis: The winger has been red hot of late, with six goals and three assists over his last eight games.
News: Grabner scored two goals in the Islanders' 5-2 victory over Buffalo on Friday night.
Analysis: The rookie is hot right now with goals in four straight games.
News: Grabner will participate in the rookie skill competition at the All-Star Game, according to Newsday.
Analysis: That's the good news for the Islanders, the bad is that they don't have a representative who will play in the actual game. John Tavares was thought to have a shot, but in the end, he will watch the game like everyone else.
News: Grabner played 11:10 in his return from a groin injury Wednesday at Carolina and scored his third goal of the year.
Analysis: Looks like he's healthy now. If he's been dropped to free agency in your league, consider picking him up as an upside play.
News: Grabner (groin) should return to the lineup Wednesday versus Philadelphia, according to Newsday.
Analysis: Grabner has missed the past few days with multiple injuries, the most severe being to his groin. He should be good to go Wednesday.
News: Grabner (groin) will likely miss the Islanders' next two games, AOL FanHouse's Chris Botta reports.
Analysis: After originally being expected to miss no game action, Grabner will now miss at least three games. Assuming he doesn't play at all this weekend, his next chance to return will come Wednesday at Carolina.
News: Grabner (groin) will not travel with the team for the Islanders' upcoming game in Montreal, Newsday's Katie Strang reports.
Analysis: Grabner was not originally expected to miss any games, but not traveling means he will sit out at least one. The Islanders play both Friday and Saturday as well this week, and it remains to be seen if Grabner will be healthy enough to suit up for either, or both.
Grabner Not Expected to Miss Any Games for the Isles
News: Grabner (groin) is not expected to miss any game action, according to Islanders Point Blank.
Analysis: Grabner suffered the groin pull Saturday versus Florida. The injury is not considered to be serious and with the Isles not playing again until Wednesday, he should be good to go.
News: Grabner is dealing with a groin injury, according to the Islanders' official website.
Analysis: Grabner's status for Wednesday's game against the Canadiens has yet to be determined, but consider him day-to-day for the time being.
News: Grabner did not participate in Monday's practice, the SNY.tv reports.
Analysis: The reason for Grabner's absence was not stated; however, the team recalled Matt Martin on Monday to provide roster depth, meaning there is a chance Grabner could miss some time. Grabner was able to complete an off-ice workout, but consider him day-to-day for now.
News: Grabner will not play in the first two games, according to Newsday's Katie Strang.
Analysis: Grabner was claimed off waivers by the Islanders on Tuesday and the Islanders want to see him in practice before they play him in a game.
News: Grabner has been claimed off waivers by the Islanders, the team's official site reports.
Analysis: He'll get a chance to rebound on Long Island after being acquired by the Panthers from Vancouver. Given the Isles' need for secondary scoring options, Grabner will have an opportunity to earn significant minutes with his new club.
News: Grabner was placed on waivers Sunday, the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: Grabner was brought to Florida with the hopes that he would provide an offensive spark for a team that often struggles to put the puck in the back of the net. After a disappointing preseason during which he was unable to record a point and had a minus-4 rating, Grabner will find himself playing for AHL Rochester, assuming he clears waivers.
News: Grabner's time to impress the Panthers' front office may have expired, the Sun-Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Graber was a healthy scratch Friday, but has struggled since being brought in from Vancouver. "The physical tools are there," DeBoer said. "But like [Michal] Repik and [Evgeny] Dadonov, those guys are auditioning for scoring situations. They're not fourth line pluggers. If you're going to make a case for yourself to make a team as a scorer, you better score." It's worth noting that both Dadonov and Repik were sent to AHL Rochester last week and Grabner may soon follow suit.
News: The Florida Panthers have traded defenseman Keith Ballard to Vancouver in a four-player deal that included the Canucks' first-round pick. New Florida general manager Dale Tallon sent Ballard and forward Victor Oreskovich to the Canucks for well-traveled forward Steve Bernier, Michael Grabner and the 25th overall pick in Friday's draft. Florida used the pick to select Moose Jaw center Quinton Howden.
Analysis: This is definitely an interesting trade for Grabner. He does go from a top contender to a rebuilding squad in Florida. However, he might get more minutes with the Panthers than the Canucks, who have an established offense. Grabner posted five goals and 11 points in 20 games with Vancouver last season. He was slowed by injury, but when he did play, he showed he could play in the NHL. If he cracks the top-six rotation in Florida, then Grabner might be worth a late-round Fantasy flier in deeper formats on Draft Day 2010.
News: TSN.ca reports that Canucks RW Michael Grabner has been recalled from the AHL and will play on the second line with Ryan Kesler and Pavol Demitra.
Analysis: Grabner had five points in nine games earlier this season before rolling his ankle and then getting sent down to the AHL, where he has 26 points in 38 games this season. He is a solid prospect and maybe even worth a look in deeper Fantasy leagues down the stretch.
News: The Canucks have removed RW Michael Grabner from IR and sent him to the AHL. He had been out since early November with an ankle injury.
Analysis: Grabner is a nice prospect for Vancouver, but he's obviously going to be better served getting more ice time in the AHL right now. Continue to ignore him in seasonal formats, but he's a solid keeper option.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Canucks LW Michael Grabner is still on crutches almost a month after breaking his ankle during the warmup soccer game under the stands before a Nov. 1 game, and despite the original four-to-six week diagnosis he seems unlikely to return by mid-December.
Analysis: Grabner was playing well after his recall from the minors and this injury was really an unfortunate situation. Once he does return, the Canucks are going to need to find him a place in their lineup since Daniel Sedin is back from his injury. Grabner remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News: Canucks RW Michael Grabner, who had five points in his first nine NHL games, was a late scratch on Sunday against the Avalanche after rolling his ankle warming up. "He ll be out for quite some time," coach Alain Vigneault said of Grabner.
Analysis: The last thing Grabner can afford is an injury since he is still auditioning for a permanent role with Vancouver. He currently has a roster spot since one of the Sedin twins is sidelined. Grabner is playing well for Vancouver, but he still needs to prove himself a little more or risk being sent back down. Grabner is a nice low-end Fantasy option and long-term keeper when healthy. Unfortunately, keep him sidelined until further notice.
News: Canucks rookie RW Michael Grabner scored his second goal in his last three games Sunday as Vancouver blanked the Oilers 2-0. Grabner now has four points in his last three games.
Analysis: Grabner seems to be really catching on the last couple of weeks, and while he's still only worth watching in super-deep leagues, the potential is there for him to contribute until Daniel Sedin gets healthy.
News: Canucks rookie RW Michael Grabner assisted twice in Saturday's win over the Maple Leafs, doubling his career point total.
Analysis: Grabner is currently skating on the second line in Vancouver alongside Mason Raymond and Ryan Kesler. He hasn't done a whole lot since being called up and remains more of a keeper option than anything.
News: Canucks RW Michael Grabner scored the first goal of his NHL career Wednesday in a win over the Blackhawks.
Analysis: Grabner is currently skating on the second line in Vancouver alongside Mason Raymond and Ryan Kesler. He hasn't done a whole lot since being called up and remains more of a keeper option than anything.
News:The Province reports recent AHL call up Michael Grabner practiced on the Canucks' top line Wednesday with Henrik Sedin and Alexandre Burrows. Grabner was recalled after Daniel Sedin suffered a broken foot that will keep him out of the lineup for several weeks. Grabner will also get a chance to play on the second power-play unit with Kyle Wellwood and Ryan Kesler during Friday's game against the Flames. "My goal was to work down there and get up here as quick as I can," Grabner said. "I'm going to go out there and try to do what I did in Winnipeg. It's so different down there because I get a lot of chances and I used my speed. And I just need to do the same thing here and it's up to me now. I'm playing with great players and I've just go to take the chance and do what I do and that's score some goals. They're great set-up guys and should be a lot of fun to play with. It just up to me to make the most out of it. It's been a long time coming."
Analysis: Grabner has been slow to hit his stride since Vancouver took him 14th overall in the 2006 NHL draft. He really impressed Vancouver management with his postseason run with Manitoba (AHL) last season and was one of the last cuts in training camp this year. He is getting such a great chance with Vancouver after he totaled four goals and six points in five games with Manitoba this season. A quick start with Vancouver means Grabner won't have to go back to the AHL when Sedin is finally healthy. Consider Grabner a sleeper for deeper Fantasy formats.
News: The Canucks have assigned former first-round picks RW Michael Grabner and G Cory Schneider to the Manitoba Moose of the AHL.
Analysis: Grabner, a 21-year-old Austrian, had 30 goals and 48 points in 66 AHL games last season. He remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper until further notice. Schneider, a former Boston College star, is also worth stashing away in dynasty leagues, but he might have to find a team that doesn't have Roberto Luongo if he's going to make it up to the NHL on a permanent basis any time soon.
News:The Sports Xchange reports RW Michael Grabner had slipped down the Canucks list of top prospects heading into the 2008-09 season after struggling to adjust to pro hockey, but the skilled, speedy Austrian is climbing the charts again after a strong year. Grabner, the Canucks' first-round pick in 2006 (14th overall), was among the top 10 in AHL playoff scoring with 10 goals and seven assists in 20 games. "Of the young guys, Michael Grabner was exceptional," Canucks assistant general manager Laurence Gilman said. "He played with a tremendous amount of speed, he played the point on the power play and was really one of the top players in the game."
Analysis: Grabner had his best season as a pro in 2008-09, with 30 goals and 48 points in 66 regular-season games. He finally showed the type of scoring prowess the Canucks have been looking for from the 6-1, 177-pound forward. Grabner could get a shot to make the Canucks' roster out of training camp, but still remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper until further notice.
News: Canucks RW prospect Michael Grabner is having an outstanding January for Manitoba of the AHL. Grabner opened the month with a hat trick against Iowa and produced a pair of two-goal games in his nest four appearances. He has scored in each of his last three games and has scored nine times in seven games in January. He has no assists and a plus-10 rating as well.
Analysis: Grabner is by far having his best month as a pro in January and is up to 19 goals on the season. He is three away from tying his AHL career-high, which he set last season. The 2006 first-round pick is definitely progressing as a pro, but the Canucks just don't have a roster spot for him at this time. Grabner remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News: Canucks RW prospect Michael Grabner has opened the season with six goals and two assists in 15 games for Manitoba of the AHL.
Analysis: Grabner is in his second full pro season after totaling 44 points (22 goals) in 74 games with Manitoba last season. The 2006 first-round pick could be on the verge of cracking the Canucks' roster, but remains in the minors for now. Continue to view him as nothing more than a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News: Michael Grabner, who had a good training camp for the Vancouver Canucks, was just edged out for a roster spot by youngsters Mason Raymond and Ryan Shannon.
Analysis: If either of those two players stumble early on, don't be surprised to see Grabner back sooner rather than later. For now, avoid him in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Daniel or Henrik Sedin? No. Markus Naslund? No. The leading scorer so far during the preseason for the Vancouver Canucks has been Ryan Kesler, who has a goal and two assists, tied with RW Michael Grabner with three points.
Analysis: Grabner remains a long shot to make the squad, however. Expect Grabner to shuttle back and forth between Manitoba and Vancouver, appearing on the NHL roster only when injuries create an opportunity.
News: D Alexander Edler and RW Michael Grabner each posted a goal and assist in Wednesday's preseason game against the Flames, strengthening their bid for a roster spot heading into the regular season.
Analysis: Each player remains a long shot to make the squad, however. Expect Edler and Grabner to shuttle back and forth between Manitoba and Vancouver, appearing on the NHL roster only when injuries create an opportunity.
News: The Vancouver Canucks returned Michael Grabner to his junior team, Spokane of the WHL.
Analysis: Grabner posted 36 goals and 50 points in 67 games with Spokane last season, but he is simply not ready to contribute at the NHL level just yet.
