Mikhail Grabovski last played NHL hockey on March 15, 2016. Hampered by post-concussion syndrome, he hasn’t played since. This summer he was moved from New York to the Vegas Golden Knights, where he had been expected to retire without suiting up.
But columnist Nick Cotsonika reports that Grabovski intends to pass his physical and play hockey again. If it happens, it wouldn’t be the first dramatic comeback for Grabo.
Mikhail Grabovski is in Vegas for his physical and wants to play. His agent, Gary Greenstin, says he's "very positive."
— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) September 14, 2017
Even before his injury, Grabovski had a disappointing 2015-16 campaign with the Islanders, racking up 9 goals and 16 assists in 58 games. He failed his physical last fall and missed all of 2016-17. When the Isles moved Grabovski to Vegas this past summer, it was considered a pure salary dump, but Cotsonika’s report says that might not be the case after all.
Grabovski is still only 33 years old. If he passes his physical and is truly healthy, the Vegas Golden Knights will all of a sudden have a real gamer on their hands — and one who is no stranger to being counted out. In 2013, Grabovski was shredded by the Toronto media prior to getting bought out by the Leafs. The Capitals signed him on a reclamation contract, and Grabo rewarded them with 13 goals, 22 assists, and driven play in a season shortened by injury.
Maybe the lone wolf will find a new home in the desert. Good luck, Grabo.
