He seems like a prospect with excellent upside, combining size, strength, intelligence, with above average offensive skills. He will prep under perhaps the top pro style development program in the NCAA under Red Berenson. The last two Hab draft picks who played for the former Canadien, Max Pacioretty and Mike Komisarek, have both been even better than hoped for. Perhaps Trevor Timmins got his first round pick after all, he just has to wait a couple of extra weeks to be rewarded for his efforts.
Habster:
I was impressed by his overall play and solid size when I attended two development sessions last week. He was very impressive during the 3 on 3 as well as the 1 on 1 drills (especially with the down low containment).
He will only get better at Michigan where legendary head coach, Red Berenson will teach him the fine points of playing defense. Fellow Habs prospect Ryan McDonagh will certainly help in his transition into the NCAA as well.
This might be another trade that in a few years will bite the Maple Leafs in the ass especially if Grabovski doesn’t play well. If Pateryn develops as expected and the Habs make a solid pick with TO’s 2nd round pick at next year’s draft (which is highly probable with Trevor Timmins track record), then Gainey will be laughing and Leaf fans will be crying once again that the Leafs traded away the future!!!