Just a few weeks ago, the Isles picked up forward Michael Grabner off waivers. Many doubted him, even his coach. Dale Tallon states the following...
"I was not surprised [Grabner was claimed], but he didn't have a very good camp and didn't earn a spot on our roster." (via IslandersHockeyBlog)
Grabner is an excellent skater. He can fly. All he has to do is finish his chances and he'll be a proven top forward. I would love to see him on a line when Kyle Okposo returns from his shoulder surgery. Why? Because they both have great speed and work their tails off up the ice.
From my standpoint, it really doesn't matter how many goals you net. It's all about the effort. If your standing in the opponent's zone just staring at the puck, you obviously don't deserve a spot on the team. But if your out there, working the puck to the opponent's net, taking those shots, and passing to your teammates, you have a well deserved spot on the team.
Another player to mention is PA Parenteau. Many doubted him, so did I. I thought he would end up like another Jeff Tambellini, producing in the AHL but not putting the goals in the net in the NHL. That's not the case. From game one, (even though the Isles only played three games to far) I've seen Parenteau coming in the zone with great moves. He had a well deserved goal on Monday against the Rangers. That tells you hard work pays off.
Also, look at Josh Bailey. Last year he very well, and we all know for a fact, he wouldn't be able to hold the puck and pass the puck as he does now. He looks much stronger and bigger on the puck, and that's exactly what Isles fans wanted from him. Great to see him score Monday as well, even with that nice spin pass to Comeau for his second goal of the game.
Overall, this Isles team has gotten much better in the off season, which the acquisitions on Defense, and up front. Grabner will give the Isles a big boost along with Parenteau. We certainly will be competing for a playoff seed if we keep up this great effort on the ice. Great to see positives coming from this young Islanders core.
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