New York Rangers: Michael Grabner's Hidden Value

Here at Blue Line Station we have been covering all angles of the Expansion Draft. Soon we will have a story on which Ranger is most likely to be taken in the Draft, but first we have a story about Michael Grabner and why there is hidden value in letting him be the one to go.

We do not want Michael Grabner to be taken away in the Expansion Draft. However, there is value in that happening for the New York Rangers.

Michael Grabner has proven his value time and time again this season. Whether it be his goal scoring prowess, his lethal play on the penalty-kill, or his terrorizing opponents with his speed, Grabner has been one of the brightest spots in a fine season for New York.

Asking for more out of Grabner would be ludicrous, but we may have found more hidden value in his contract. See, Grabner was signed to a two-year deal with the expectation he would be left unprotected in the Expansion Draft.

However, Grabner has played his way into discussion of being protected. Unfortunately for Grabner, the Rangers will as of this moment almost certainly protect Kevin Hayes, Chris Kreider, J.T. Miller, Rick Nash, Derek Stepan, Mika Zibanejad, and Mats Zuccarello. That leaves Grabner wide open for Las Vegas to steal him away.

This has largely been looked at as a negative for the Rangers, but Grabner being taken carries plenty of value. Sure, the Rangers are not interested in losing a near-30 goal scorer, but Grabner is only under contract for the 2017-18 season. After that, he will likely demand a hefty pay raise that the Rangers will not match.

Considering Grabner is a goner after the season, his value to the team lowers. Next, consider that the Rangers can only lose one player in the Expansion Draft. While New York would love to lose Nick Holden or Kevin Klein, the more realistic options are Grabner, Jesper Fast, Oscar Lindberg, or Antti Raanta.

Given Grabner’s play this season, however, it would be difficult for the Golden Knights to sell their fans on passing on a possible 30-goal scorer. With that in mind, Grabner will likely be selected. There is the hidden value.

By Grabner being selected, every other player on the Rangers’ roster is safe. New York does not surrender depth by losing Fast or Lindberg. Antti Raanta stays on as one of the best backups in the NHL. Sure, it hurts for the Rangers to lose a top penalty killer and speedster, but Grabner would have left after the season anyway.

Next: Expansion Draft Candidate: Oscar Lindberg

Essentially, Michael Grabner can serve as a shield for the Rangers in the Expansion Draft. Las Vegas will determine if the move works or not, but the Rangers will benefit from having that option.

Even when he’s not playing, Michael Grabner is providing value to the New York Rangers.

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New York Rangers: Michael Grabner’s Hidden Value

By Brandon Cohen | Mar 16, 2017

Here at Blue Line Station we have been covering all angles of the Expansion Draft. Soon we will have a story on which Ranger is most likely to be taken in the Draft, but first we have a story about Michael Grabner and why there is hidden value in letting him be the one to go.