By HOWARD BERGER
TORONTO (July 3) — It isn’t known whether 24-year-old Mikhail Grabovski was part of the compensation agreement between the Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens in the Mats Sundin sweepstakes, but neither does it matter anymore. Grabovski was rumored to be the player the Leafs would receive if the Habs had been able to sign Sundin before he became a free agent on Tuesday. That side-deal was consummated between Leafs’ GM Cliff Fletcher and his Montreal counterpart Bob Gainey at the NHL Draft meetings in Ottawa, but it failed to lure Sundin into a Canadiens’ jersey. The Maple Leafs decided they wanted Grabovski anyway, and Fletcher obtained him earlier this afternoon for prospect Greg Pateryn and a second-round pick in the 2010 Draft.
“We’ve had our eye on Grabovski for a long time,” Fletcher told me over the phone. “He’s a young player and when we talk about him, we talk in terms of potential. He has loads of talent and lots of dash and flash to his game. He’s an offensive centreman and particularly with the uncertainty surrounding [Sundin’s] future, Mikhail fits the criteria we’re looking for. He’s only 24, and he’s going to be an exciting hockey player. He’ll definitely be on our NHL roster next season.”
A native of Potsdam in the old German Democratic Republic, Grabovski was Montreal’s fourth pick — 150th overall — in the 2004 NHL Draft. He appeared in 24 games for the Habs last season, counting three goals and nine points. He played exceptionally well for the Canadiens’ American League affiliate in Hamilton, earning AHL player-of-the-week honours in mid-February, when he had five goals and five assists in a three game span. He also performed splendidly for Belarus at the recent World Hockey Championships.
And while it’s foolish to mention Grabovski and Sundin in the same breath, there’s no question that Fletcher acquired the youngster to shore up the Leafs’ centre-ice position. “In our situation, if Mats is removed from the line-up, we’ll need help at centre, and rather than go out and get a veteran player with little or no upside, this is the way we’re proceeding,” said Fletcher. “We’re happy to be able to integrate Mikhail into our line-up next season along with [Russian Nikolai] Kulemin, who is only 22. We’re going to have quite a base of young players next year.”
Fletcher claims the acquisition of Grabovski virtually negates his pursuit of a veteran centre on the free agent market. Despite a published report today that the Leafs have interest in Vancouver’s Brendan Morrison, Fletcher said he is not in the market for an injury-plagued pivot. “The reality is there are no veteran centremen of any consequence on the free agent market. Morrison is one, but he’s in a different category from what we’re looking for. We felt the opportunity to get a young player with really good upside and potential was much more appealing to us.”
Fletcher continues to pursue a defenseman from Europe. Speculation today suggested that Swedish blueliner Johan Frogren of Farjestads is the player, but Fletcher wouldn’t elaborate. The connection to new Leafs’ director of player personnel Al Coates was said to be key in the decision to go after Frogren, who was drafted by Calgary in 1998 when Coates was the Flames’ GM. “I’m not suggesting who it is, but the thought that Al Coates is related to the player in question might be a stretch,” Fletcher said. “Al hardly knew [Frogren] when he was drafted; it was the [Flames’] scouting department that found him.
“The European we’re after is well thought of by our entire hockey department. But, he has to purchase his own release from the club-team he’s playing with right now. We have no right to offer him any sort of deal while he’s under contract in Europe. This player wants to try the NHL and he’s prepared to do whatever he has to in order to get his release from the team he’s been with for a few years. If he’s able to accomplish that, I feel we’ll be able to enter into a contract.”
The Leafs remain on the verge of hiring ex-NHLer Joe Nieuwendyk for their front office, and adding Ron Wilson’s assistant coaches from San Jose — Tim Hunter and Rob Zettler — to the bench staff. As for the latter two, Fletcher said, “the only thing holding up their hirings is the proper language in their contracts — covering all the points in an acceptable fashion, and having them signed. It’s a long holiday weekend in the U.S., starting today, so I don’t anticipate anything happening until early next week. But, there are no outstanding issues.”
As it pertains to Nieuwendyk, who could help entice Sundin back to the Leafs, Fletcher continued to be vague, but had only praise for the centre he drafted out of Cornell University in 1985. Nieuwendyk was the 27th overall selection in that year’s lottery, and Fletcher was GM in Calgary. “Joe broke into the league with us and played very well right from the start,” said Fletcher. “At some point down the road, we’ll get together and see if there’s something that is mutually beneficial.”
Many believe that discussion has already taken place, as Nieuwendyk’s front-office deal with the Florida Panthers expired last Tuesday. Nieuwendyk and Sundin are very close friends, dating to their year together with the Leafs in 2005-06. I’ve mentioned this before, but it was remarkable to see how warmly the two men interracted when the Leafs played in Florida the past two seasons. Nieuwendyk would walk over to the visitors’ dressing room after games, and wait for Sundin to come out. The former teammates would talk for 10 or 15 minutes, then embrace in a hug before going their seperate ways. In my own experience, I’ve never seen Sundin openly react that way towards any ex-player.
Once Nieuwendyk is in place with the Leafs, might Sundin have even more incentive to finish his career here? It’s certainly a plausible notion.
Excellent deal Cliff, after all a second round pick will be completely useless to the Leafs if you are the one doing the drafting.
Not keeping ever draft pick is just plain stupid Cliff.
- wayneI thought the leafs were approaching team building from a different perspective this time. Fletcher trades a 2nd round pick and a prospect for another prospect? Now he proclaims that he’ll be on the roster next season. Does he need to add, “whether he’s good enough or not; we’re mostly interested in appearing to be headed in the right direction.”
So they’re rebuilding through the draft by trading 2nd round picks 2 years in a row?
The more things change the more they stay the same.
I hope old fletch doesn’t get caught up in his old “trader Cliff” mode like he did in the bad old days when he gave up the 4th overall pick (Roberto Luongo) in the deal for Wendel.
Oh, and if Joe Newiendyk coming to the front office means Mats will assuredly come back, please - STAY AWAY JOE.
- JoelHi Howard, I was wondering if the Leafs were done signing players.
- DavidWHATEVER!
- VinceHey Howie, just wanted to say that Cliff Fletcher is finally putting the Leafs in the right direction with getting younger players, and hopefully getting John Tavaras, and Grabovski is another young player that will gain valuable experience in the NHL. Plus the signing of Moore, he played well for us last year especially when Sundin was out, he stepped up, and I look forward to watching the Leafs youngins take on the NHL.
- GrahamYour an idiot Howard! remove your lips from sundin’s butt… We are rebuliding “WE DONT WANT SUNDIN BACK.”!!!
- RomanGetting someone like Joe Nieuwendyk in the front office is exactly what the maple leafs need. Respected men who are of hall of fame calibre. I’m really warming up to the way Cliff Fletcher is doing business and if they continue to move forward with moves like this I see nothing but a bright future in Toronto, despite what all the naysayers and cynics think.
- Matt RobertsGo Leafs Go!
Howard, I enjoy listening to you on the Fan & just recently started reading your blogs. People seem to very high on Grabovski. Time will tell. My question to you & in turn to the Maple Leafs is who is going to protect all these young guys? I was hoping they would sign George Laraque however that’s not going to happen. They can talk team toughness but they don’t have that either. If they claim they don’t require it in the new NHL, you & I know better. Just ask Gretsky why he signed Todd Fedorik & traded for Brian MacGratton. Is it to give his young guys some confidence? Maybe you can ask Mr. Fletcher about that. Thanks.
- Roy McGowanI’m much more interested in Nieuwendyk as, what I think is a very bright and upcoming hockey mind that would be an awesome addition to any hockey franchise, than his ability to lure Matts back to the fold. That ship has sailed, time to move on. This new team will be young, will be able to skate, will have grit and will build a new identity under Ron Wilson. I’m liking what I’m seing so far and willing to take a wait and see attitude. What’s the worse that can happen? We suck and finish last in the division? Wow, how crushing would that be given what we’ve watched in the last 3 years?
- PaulGood work Howard!
- FredWow, are they really going after Frögren? C’mon, Ive seen the guy play (I live in Sweden) and he’s definitely not a guy you guarantee a roster spot to. Whaqt ever happened to earning it? And Grabowski? Okay, fill the roster with potential…the potential to finish last, whilst the young kids try their best and still get whumped every night. And then we get the elusive 1st draft pick. Or not.
Oh I love my Leafs and have for 40 years. But Fletcher is kind of like the Mighty Casey, and thus far he’s striking out.
Howard, a quick question: Do top seeded free agents really want to play in Toronto anymore? What with the way they handle contracts and all? I mean how bush league can you get? The no movers should never even been asked to waive their rights. The organisation should have bitten the proverbial bullet and shown some class. The same people should have never issued the contracts in the 1st place, except for Sundin. How McCabe got both a huge pile of dough plus a no trade clause is beyond me? Don’t you usually take less money in order to get long term security? Just askin’.
These are John Ferguson type signings.
- JimHoward, enjoy your comments on the fan. Only recently have I begun reading the blogs. Grabovski may be a good pick up time will tell. I have a question for you & the Leafs. I reviewed the present roster & my question is who will be protecting all these young guys? The Leafs can’t believe they are tough enough to compete. If they claim team toughness or it is not required in the new NHL you & I know better. Gretsky just brought in Fedorik & MacGratton to look after all his young guys in Phoenix. Maybe you could ask Mr. Fletcher that question? Thank you.
R McGowan
- Roy McGowanas a hockey fanatic but not a leaf fan i believe it is becoming clear that mats will play here for less money or retire but he cant be over impressed with leaf additions so far.without him leafs will draft top 4 in 2009. how cool would it be to draft the other schenn who i here is almost equal to tavares.
- cosmoHoward; The deal for Dan Boyle to San Jose today makes me wonder why doesn’t Cliff move Pavel Kubina. It appears at least 2 other teams are very interested in aquiring a top defenceman and will pay heavily with draft picks and good young talent. Would be a good way for Fletcher to refill the cupboard which is a little light with his trading of 2 second round picks and a third. I figure Mc Cabe is probably better moved at trade deadline. Ron
- RonThats what I’m talkin about young guys that can skate with lots of upside.
P.S. Howard what ever you do next week don’t mention the name Gary Bettman or the Deacon will be yammering all week long about an NHL team in the Hammer. Its not going to happen.
- Tom G