Mikhail Grabovski: Second-Line Centre for the Toronto Maple Leafs?

They say in order to determine a person’s future the best indicator is their past. For Mikhail Grabovski, his past is spotty at best, which begs the question, does he deserve a shot at the Toronto Maple Leafs' second line centre job?

Through 137 career games as a Maple Leaf, “Grabo” has accumulated a total of 30 goals and 83 points.

Along the way, Grabo has demonstrated an ability to create offense and a nose for the net.

Unfortunately, Grabo has also demonstrated a number of bad characteristics, including mediocre play in the defensive zone, a penchant for holding onto the puck, and a compete level that often comes in spurts.

With youngsters such as Nazem Kadri nipping at Grabovski’s heals for the No. 2 centre job, it is tough to say whether Grabovski will emerge as the No. 2 pivot.

With 164 career NHL games under his belt, Grabovski brings some much needed experience to the Leafs' lineup down the middle. With sophomore Tyler Bozak (37 career NHL games) and Kadri (one career NHL game), there is little doubt that Grabovski’s experience will be a factor when determining the Leafs' No. 2 pivot.

Also in Grabo’s favor are his faceoff abilities. While not an excellent faceoff man, Grabovski won 366 and lost 369 faceoffs last season, for a winning percentage of 49.8 percent.

On a team that struggled mightily on faceoffs last season, Grabovski’s ability on the faceoff (however mediocre), will be welcomed by head coach Ron Wilson with open arms.

The additions of Colby Armstrong, Kris Versteeg, Mike Brown, Luca Caputi, and Fredrik Sjostrom does nothing to challenge Grabovski’s ability to win faceoffs, which only further enhances his worth.

Known for his tenacity on and off the ice, Grabovski will need to demonstrate a willingness to take his game to the next level, which will likely take a change in attitude and a renewed focus on hockey.

There is little question that Grabovski has all the tools to be a legitimate No. 2 centre, but the question remains, will he be able to put it all together to maximize those tools or will he remain the enigma he has proven to be over his first two seasons with the Maple Leafs.

Last season, Graboski did little to impress the Maple Leafs' brass, scoring 10 goals and adding 25 assists for a paltry total of 35 points in 59 games played—hardly what should be expected from your No. 2 centre.

For Grabovski, the 2010-11 season may mark his last chance to prove that he belongs with the Leafs. Failure to improve and/or impress may very well call for his exit from the Maple Leafs’ depth chart.

The second line centre’s job is right there for the taking for Grabovski. Question is, will he take the challenge, or take the plunge?

Until next time, peace!