Michael Grabner made a strong opening statement on Broadway in 2016-2017. What can the New York Rangers and their fans expect from Grabner this upcoming season?
Last season, the New York Rangers got more than they bargained for with Michael Grabner. The Austrian winger had the second best statistical season of his career, finishing with 27 goals and 40 points. He hadn’t eclipsed either the 20 goals or 30 points marks since 2011-2012.
For the Rangers, Grabner was not only a surprise, but he was an intricate part of the teams success all season long. With Oscar Lindberg in Las Vegas, the depth of the bottom six forwards will be tested. Grabner figures to be an important piece this season and after his performance last year, expectations will be high.
Better, Worse or the Same?
That is the biggest question when it comes to Grabner as a Ranger this season. Which Grabner will the Rangers see in 2017-18? Grabner’s career has been up and down. He followed up his career season of 52 points in 2010-2011 with 32 points the following year. Outside of that, Grabner hadn’t produced a season of 30-plus points until last season.
With consistency issues plaguing Grabner, it is tough to imagine that he could be better than he was last season. Expecting 27 goals is certainly out of the question. However, from what everyone saw last season with Grabner, there is no reason to expect him to be worse.
That is not to say that Grabner will total 40 points again, but seeing his performance last year, 35 is a realistic expectation. For Grabner, a similar result in 2017-2018 would be widely received as a success. He seems to flourish in the Rangers system and because of that, Grabner will have another productive season for the blue shirts.
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Special Teams
The one stat that was out of this world for Grabner last season was his point percentage while at even strength. Grabner recorded just under 95% of his points at even strength. While he did see time on the penalty kill, at 5-on-5, Grabner was electric.
This is where I see a change this upcoming season. For a player who was quite literally good for a breakaway a game, Grabner should be able to increase his point total while shorthanded. He won’t see time on the power play, but could be a force a man down.
Grabner has 13 shorthanded goals in his career, but just two in the last three seasons. The Rangers were a mediocre penalty kill team at best last season. If Grabner can find his mojo shorthanded, the Rangers will receive a quality upgrade on the penalty kill.
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The Verdict
Grabner will be solid for the Rangers. There is no reason to expect him not to be. While the inconsistency that has plagued his career may be weighing on people’s minds, Grabner should be ready to step up once again this season.
I’m expecting roughly the same point outcome as he had last season. For a player who has only eclipsed 20 goals three times it isn’t realistic to expect the same amount of goals as he has last year. Grabner, when healthy, is a high level role player.
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Grabner will see significant time and make a significant impact like he did last season for the Rangers. Without getting in to point specifics, his season should be very similar to last year and will once again be poised for success in New York.