When the New York Rangers signed 29-year-old forward Michael Grabner in the offseason, some fans were a little hesitant to see what he would bring to the team and to the fourth line after Viktor Stalberg signed with the Carolina Hurricanes.  However, much to Rangers’ fans delight, Grabner is already turning out to be one of the strongest forwards for the Rangers.
The Austria-born Grabner played for the Vancouver Canucks, New York Islanders, and Toronto Maple Leafs prior to signing a two-year deal this offseason to join the New York Rangers. He battled in training camp, and beat out fellow veteran Tanner Glass, for that important roster spot and it is paying off for sure. In just nine games this season, Grabner already has five goals, including a hat trick he netted against the Tampa Bay Lightning on October 30th.
“It’s nice to get another one”, Grabner told reporters following the 6-1 win over Tampa. His line mates, Â J.T. Miller and Kevin Hayes, helped make the hat trick happen with some nifty plays of their own and Grabner had nothing but praise for his comrades, calling them “great players”.
The New York Rangers finished October with a 6-3-0 record, not too shabby. Between this fourth line depth, Chris Kreider scheduled to return Tuesday from neck spasms, and the speed, the Metropolitan Division is going to have a hard time keeping up with this club.
