Karly Redpath- Michael Grabner
Michael Grabner will be the Rangers forward that we will see go to the Las Vegas Golden Knights in the expansion draft.
Grabner had a rebound season, notching 27 goals and a respectable 13 assists for a total 40 points in 76 regular season games.
The 29-year-old Austrian native proved that he can be a playmaker because of his speed. As a supplement to this dangerous attribute, he has the skill to not only finish on scoring chances but also served an integral role in 5-on-5 hockey and on the penalty kill.
26 of Grabner’s 27 goals this season were scored when the Rangers played teams at even strength. He was plus-22 through the regular season and boasted an on-ice shooting percentage (used to determine how effective a player is at shooting and at setting up his teammates) of 11.8.
The Golden Knights picking up Grabner would give them a strong player that comes at a great price. At just $1.65 million dollars, they would get a player with strong skill for a minimal amount of money.
Grabner will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2017-18 season. However, the Golden Knights need to establish their chemistry. It gives them a shot at acquiring a great asset, yet flexibility in the long run.
Assuming Grabner fits, they could approach they UFA issue when it comes to fruition.