New York Rangers: Five players losing trade value with early season roles

Michael Grabner

The first name that comes to mind is Michael Grabner. In his second year with the team, Grabner has expectedly fallen back to earth. After scoring 27 goals and 40 points a year ago, Grabner has recorded just two points through the team’s first 10 games. 

Aside from the lack of scoring, Grabner has been virtually non-existent in the Rangers’ plans. Alain Vigneault continues to shuffle his lines with no rhyme or reason, and Grabner is among his casualties. In recent games, with Vigneault running out 11 forwards and seven defensemen, the speedy winger has seen his role reduced to merely a mix-in. 

Where Grabner continues to shine is with the Rangers killing a penalty. He leads all forwards on the roster with 23:04 of shorthanded ice-time. He also has been on the ice for the least number of goals (two) down a man of any forward with over 10 shorthanded minutes.

Last season Grabner’s value was at an all-time high. His offensive production coupled with fantastic penalty-killing made him an attractive sell-high candidate to any contending team. However, with inconsistent minutes, and a decreased offensive role, Grabner’s value is on the decline.