Mikhail Grabovsky

This summer the Canadiens quitely signed a young Belarussian named Mikhail Grabovsky.

Get used to that name.

Watch the highlights.

Would you prefer this guy or Mike Ribeiro as a starter and 20 minutes of ice a night?

Will he challenge for a spot this year?

Granted, it’s one highlight reel and you can’t judge a player solely on a few good shifts. But the kid obviously has lots of talent and definitely seems a little more hungry than some of our current Centerman.

Can’t wait to see him in a Habs jersey. Hopefully sooner than later.

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23 Comments

#1 slapshot212 says:
August 22, 2006 at 10:00 pm

Who is Grabovsky? what position does he play? Why is he so touted, and given so much ink? I haven’t heard about him before. If someone has some info about him, please let us know. God knows we could use some more offensive talent. With all the rumours floating around, involving the habs, I wonder if we are going to be making a trade before the deadline. We need to do something about obtaining another centerman! It is absolutely a must!

#2 Sly Vester says:
August 23, 2006 at 12:13 am

well he’s a bellarusian centreman and thats all i know! Maybe he’ll play in the offseason cause he’s supposed to be a pretty talented guy… maybe to center Sammy and Kovy

Is that video link NOT working for anyone else? All i get is sound! BLASTT!!

#3 Sly Vester says:
August 23, 2006 at 12:14 am

by offseason i mean preseason

#4 Saku jr says:
August 23, 2006 at 11:03 am

well sylvester it should work, I’m the one who introduced the video link to this website. Trust me, right now you’re thinking he’s got talent. If you would c this video, you would know he has talent. I’m actually starting to think he has a brighter future than Kostitsyn. Besides, he’s MUCH MUCH MUCH better than Ribeiro.
Samsonov – Grabovsky – Kovalev all the way!!!!!!

#5 Saku jr says:
August 23, 2006 at 11:05 am

Some say he’s the next Datsyuk…
personally, I believe it.

#6 Alestar says:
August 23, 2006 at 1:31 pm

I saw the video…nice.

I just hope they give him a chance and don’t send him to the farm for 2 seasons!

GO HABS GO!

#7 fred says:
August 23, 2006 at 5:48 pm

i couldn’t see the video either

#8 Dragaon says:
August 23, 2006 at 6:24 pm

Video works fine, takes time to load tho,
here’s some stats for yas all

Mikhail Grabovsky
Center
Born Jan 31 1984 — Potsdam, Belarus
Height 5.09 — Weight 172 — Shoots L

Selected by Montreal Canadiens round 5 #150 overall 2004 NHL Entry Draft

— Regular Season — —- Playoffs —-
Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
————————————————————————————–
2003-04 Nizhnekamsk Neftekhimik Russi 44 6 11 17 28 5 0 0 0 4
2004-05 Nizhnekamsk Neftekhimik Russi 60 16 20 36 34 3 2 0 2 2
2005-06 Moscow Dynamo Russi 48 10 18 28 28
————————————————————————————–

#9 HabFanStuckInOttawa says:
August 23, 2006 at 8:52 pm

DUDE! I am pretty psyched about this kid! I agree, he should definately be allowed to play this season, especially if all the offseason moves have already been made. Go Habs Go!!

#10 reality check says:
August 24, 2006 at 2:15 pm

I tried gathering as much as i could find about a dozen Habs prospects on posted it on my blog. If anyone wishes to check it out, the link is:

http://wwwrealitycheckeyesontheprize.blogspot.com/2006/08/futures-so-bright-gotta-wear-shades.html#links

I learned lots and it’s nice to have it all in one place. I will try to keep it up to date. If any of you knowledgable folks have link suggestions or avy other comments, feel free to fire them off to me. TY

#11 stevejur says:
August 24, 2006 at 5:10 pm

Very nice reality check, great layout.

#12 koivufan says:
August 24, 2006 at 6:35 pm

I too love this kid but I think we might have to wait until 2008 to see him in a habs uni. But anything is possible.

#13 Habs#1 says:
August 24, 2006 at 11:21 pm

Great blog reality check. It’s very accurate and not many teams if any can say they have such a wealth of prospects.

Take that Toronto!

(By the way, it’s Erik Johnson, not Ryan that was drafted first overall.)

#14 reality check says:
August 25, 2006 at 8:26 am

Thanks for the kind words guys. I stand corrected on Erik – Ryan J is my paperboy LOL.

I think the Habs are well positioned to pull off a blockbuster deal (if such deals still exist) with all the assets they have. It is going to be a very interesting seasona and I expect the team to be off to the same flying start they had last season before injuries hit.

It’s gonna be fun.

#15 J-Nic says:
August 25, 2006 at 4:42 pm

We won’t see him play this season and probably not the next one too. He is playing in the russian league, and it’s hard to make them play here. You have seen it with Pitsburgh, they got some troubles. When he come here, it’s gonna be to play.

But is he “THAT” good ? From the video highlight he looks like he have some talents, but it’s russian league, far from the NHL. He got 36 points in 60 games with 16 goals and 20 assists in 04-05 and 28 points in 48 games in 05-06 with the dynamo, that’s not that much for that league. I don’t know how much ICE time out there, but there is something weird in my opinion.

And how old is he ? 31 jan 1984 that mean he is already 22.

I hope he get experience, play well and be able to play here cause he have great talent, see the ice well, looks fast with a good acceleration, nice hockey sense too.

#16 Habs Blog says:
August 25, 2006 at 4:47 pm

Wrong. He’s already been signed to a 3 year deal. And that was not the ‘Russian League” it was the 2006 World Championships.

#17 riser8 says:
August 25, 2006 at 8:25 pm

Grabovsky could very well be the surprise dark horse at this years training camp. I have read some quotes from Trevor Timmins regarding this kid; and he really is blessed with elite level speed,vision,as well as an above average shot. Timmins also said he wouldnt be surprised to see him push for a roster spot, but the betting is that Grabovsky will start the season in Hamilton in order to gain some experience with the north american style of play. Contrary to some peoples opinions his stats were impressive in the RSL the last two years. He played as an import (he is from Belarus not Russia)so he had less ice time than a homegrown Russian, as well the RSL is a low scoring league. I am looking forward to seeing this kid play and he really could be something with his fellow countrymen in the not too distant future!

#18 Doogie2K says:
August 27, 2006 at 2:50 am

While one highlight reel from the second division of the WHC is hardly indicative of much, it sure looks good. I’d like to see how he does against some real players, first, before I get too excited, mind you, but…he did a Forsberg on that poor Kazakh goalie. Never saw it coming.

#19 A-WALL says:
August 27, 2006 at 10:06 am

I think the habe will do well this season they have all the tools to take home the presidents trophy as well as the cup.. and this bellrussian superstar will probably take over the league

#20 Patrice says:
August 28, 2006 at 10:20 am

Hi

Some info about that Bielorussian player are available on this web link :
http://hockeysfuture.com/prospect/mikhail_grabovsky

#21 david tourout says:
September 7, 2006 at 11:39 pm

this story is realy great thanks

#22 david tourout says:
September 8, 2006 at 12:26 am

i watched the video this guy is fast and got great hands .wooooooow you can watch the video go to habsblog.com to see it go habs go

#23 Paul Spiller says:
October 5, 2006 at 12:03 pm

Who!?? Trade him!

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Avatar37 : pressure playing in Montreal, since he has problems with the expectations in Washington and Montreal isn't any easier. Then again, the media were very easy on Kovalev, so maybe it's a Russian thing? No idea. Anyway, yeah, it would have to be an established star that gives us an immediate drastic upgrade at forward, that's the only way I'd trade PK, because we'd be giving up a potential QB on our blueline for the next decade.
Avatar37 : Goalie - Sure, the only player I'd say who is untradeable (meaning I wouldn't trade no matter what) is Carey Price. You build a winning team from the net out, and I don't think there's a better goalie for his age in the NHL than Price, so I wouldn't trade him. Otherwise, every player would be open for offers, but for PK Subban, it would take (for me) an already established star, like Carter or Crosby or Ovechkin. As much as I like Ovechkin, I'm not sure he could handle all the media pre
goalie : I'm not suggesting at all that we judst dump or get rid of PK. I do however believe that he is a very valued commodity in the NHL adn that the Habs will receive offers for his services. If someone ffers us young, strong, puck handling forwards who can score, I think the Habs have to look at that possible trade.
Avatar37 : Agreed. It would be a big mistake to trade PK just to move up 2 spots in the draft. PK, Emelin, and Gorges are the bright future of our defense.
Senet1 : I am with you Avatar, Subban stays, it is not often that you get a stud defenceman who can play 25+ minutes. The mistakes he makes are for the most part not that serious and people forget he is only 23 and been in the league 2 years. He has come a long way in those two years. He has offense, defence and he hits. You cannot bet much better than that. Two more years experience and he has a shot at the Norris. If Markov does anything I hope he teaches PK how to work the PP.
Avatar37 : «link»
Avatar37 : go.
Avatar37 : round exit. Heck, even the year they won the cup we almost took them out in round 1. I believe in the corps of this team, I really think we just need a few tweaks. Adding Larry Robinson to run the defense would be a BIG help, keep Cunneyworth as offensive coach, and get a head coach who can get these guys back on the right path. We need to establish an identity again, a team that won't let itself be pushed around like it was under Martin. A few scrappers on this team and we'll be good to
Avatar37 : Yeah, the only way I'd trade PK is if we were getting an established star in return, like Carter or Crosby. I don't think we're miles away from competing deep into the playoffs, the NHL has become so competitive because of the salary cap that really there aren't huge differences between the teams. Add into the equation the stupid scoring system (some games worth 2 points, some 3) that the standings don't truly reflect where teams should really be. Look at Boston, cup winners to first rou
Senet1 : It would have to be something pretty special before I would trade PK. To me he is the #1 building block of our defence. I would trade any other defenceman we have before I would trade PK.
Senet1 : An improvement in our offense and strengthening our defence. Personally, I do not think we are that far off, five players at best could get us there. One thing that has always been true about the playoffs, Defence wins and you need a strong 3rd and 4th line.
goalie : I'm more optimistic now about the Habs than I have been for the past three dreadfully long seasons!
goalie : 2: I think GM Bergevin will make somewhat of a 'blockbuster't rade either before or on the day of the draft adn I believe PK Subban will be in that package. WE have t rememebr we have to give away some talent to get back other talent. No one wants players like Moen to move up in the draft etc.
goalie : Some thoughts:The more I see the playoffs it becomes even more obvious that we're miles away from being able to 'compete' dep into the playoffs
Avatar37 : «link»
Senet1 : Young Subban might also be an option if the Russian goalie is not available. However, to me I would wait another year and attempt to use my draft 2nd round draft picks to improve out forward situation.
Senet1 : Although Rinne contact is another example of long term at the wrong time. He is 29 years old. A case could be made with Price that double his money now with bonuses if we win the cup, I think that is still allowed in contracts?
Senet1 : Problem is he is going to want Pekka Rinne money and term. That is closer to 7M. On the other hand, the contract could have step up clauses in it over the 7 years.
Avatar37 : With Price, I wouldn't blink twice about offering him a 7 year contract now, especially if he'd be willing to give up dollar value for length. 7 years at $5.5 million a year would be just fine in my book.
Avatar37 : I think the goaltending void in our current system would push me to draft Vasilevski with our second pick, if he was available. He's young and has lots of potential, but is at least 5-6 years away from starting to be ready to play on an NHL roster.
Senet1 : Long tern contracts are a risk, but if you have a super star not as much. Luongo's contract was long term but signed too late in his career.
Avatar37 : Senet - Yes, you were clear in your post, my question was directed at goalie. I'm with you in that I'd be willing to sign him to a 7 year contract. I'd be nervous about anything longer, because every single long term goalie contract I can think of turned out to be a disaster for the team signing it.
Senet1 : I think that Budaj is a better goalie than many give him credit for, is he a Price no but with a tight defence he could be a good goalie. Many teams have average goalies but have great defence and still win. Look at Detroit, for years they have had average goaltending, but won cups. Goalies can get on a roll in the playoffs, look at Huet as an example, he was not really a good goalie but played great in the playoffs, next year he was a wash. Defence makes the goalie a winner, just ask Price.
Senet1 : Having a young equivalent goalie in the system right now is not important, three years from now it will be, so we have three years to make that kind of move in the draft. I think we have more pressing needs aat the moment.
Senet1 : Personally, I do not see this as a negative because of Price's age, you wait to draft a goalie of a Patrick Roy or Brodeur some teams wait a life time. To me we have on so why would we want to not play that out for as long as we can. Bottom line is this, regardless, right now you have a stud goalie, you are either going to pay him the money he deserves for not sign him and lose him. There is no middle of the road here.
goalie : Avatar made a great point. We don't have an NHL or up adn coming NHL goalies in our system. Another great move by Gauthier. Price is sitting very pretty.
goalie : WEll Price has us by the nads. I guess I'd have to go as far as a 7 year contract due to his play adn his age.
Senet1 : Luongo is now 33, he has been a good goaltender for a number of years. I would sign Price for 7 years and at age 31 then we deal with UFA at that time. Hopefully, we could provide him with another 5 years at that time. That is my opinion anyway, I would never risk losing him as a UFA at this point in his career to me that would be a very poor management decision. Even a 10 year contract would put him only at 34 years old. If you are going to sign him to long term now is the time.
Senet1 : If you have a young stud you have to gamble a little and give him a contract that is worthy of his abilities and his potential. It can have escalation clauses or reducing clauses like Kovalchuk's contract.
Senet1 : Avatar, I thought I was clear Yes I would sign him long term. My previous post said. The problem is if you have a out in the contract after 5 years then the player also has an out after 5 years. So no self respected lawyer would accept a contract that did not have equal escape clauses. So no I would not sign only for 5 years, if Price was 28 years old yes but not a 24. Seven years still only makes him 31 when the contract is over. If you have a young stud you have to gamble a little and give him
Avatar37 : Cammalleri trade. Given the fact that we have no NHL starting quality goaltenders in the system currently, aren't we held hostage to having to sign Price?
Avatar37 : There are many bad goalie contracts, just look at Huet. However, your post didn't answer my question as to what you'd do with Price. He's an RFA now, but for argument sake, if he were a UFA, what would you do? If he wanted a 7+ year contract, you know some other team would give him one. Would you risk losing him for nothing because you didn't want to sign a contract over 5 years? And if we lose Price, our goalies are Budaj and Robert Mayer, as we sent Karri Ramo to the Flames in the Cam
goalie : .. a 5 years contract again based upon the experience he has had AND he likes Bobby Lou!
goalie : Ditto for Philly, Ther goaltender 'situations' have both become the number 1 story line for both teams, and in Vancouver one could see the exaspiration on Gillis' adn to some extent Vigneault's faces when continously being bombarded by the loooong term contract that the Canucks are stuct with. (Gillis even said last February or so, thank goodness it looks like more than few other teams will be looking for a starting goaltender for 2012-13. He said he would never again do more than a 5 year c
goalie : I've spent the past four winters in BC thus I am very aware of the Canucks situations. I'd first say I give Gillis adn Vigneault 100% credit for being VERY supportive of Roberto L. even when Corey Schenider has vastly out played him. (I too like Bobby Lou but facts are facts).