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Michael Grabner is Undercover All-Star For Rangers

By Alyssa Naimoli

Nov 12, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; New York Rangers right wing Michael Grabner (40) shoot the puck as he scores a goal against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; New York Rangers right wing Michael Grabner (40) shoot the puck as he scores a goal against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Ranger Michael Grabner Might Not Be Attending the All-Star Game Later This Month But the First-Season Ranger Is Still Proving to Be the Rangers’ Best Offseason Addition With Incredible Play.

The New York Rangers picked up Michael Grabner during the offseason expecting him to be a solid addition to the team. In fact, Grabner has exceeded expectations as a speedy power forward.

Grabner is on track to have a career-high season. The Rangers expected the veteran forward to bring strong offense but could have never predicted how much he would supply.

Undercover All-Star: Michael Grabner

Grabner is currently leading the team with 21 goals in 45 games. This blows away Grabner’s last three seasons where he posted nine goals in 2015-16 with Toronto and eight goals in 2014-15 and 12 goals in 2013-14 with the Islanders.

In fact,  Grabner’s career high was in 2010-11 when he racked up 34 goals and 18 assists in 75 games with the Islanders in his second NHL season.

Grabner has brought speed, production and consistent offensive power to the Rangers. Regardless of what line Grabner plays on, he finds a way to perform and get the offense moving. His speed has also been a great addition to the team and has given him countless breakaway and short-handed opportunities.

If Grabner keeps up his current pace, which he is very capable of, he will surpass his current career-high. Based on Grabner’s play so far this season, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the forward set a new career high.

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Finding a Home in the Rangers

Grabner’s last few seasons were not nearly as close to his current season. The New York Rangers are turning out to be the perfect place for the speedy forward. If Grabner does achieve a new career-high, it will further prove that New York is exactly where he needs to be.

Grabner has become one of the Rangers’ biggest assets for a bargain of just $1.6 million per season. This contract is an absolute steal for a player who came in to bring speed and production and is bringing so much more.

Grabner’s goal-count is comparable to the 21 goals of Alex Ovechkin, Patrik Laine and Max Pacioretty. He is delivering a top-level performance despite his low contract.

Grabner is an important member of the Rangers and will continue to do so as the season progresses. His speed and scoring is an incredible asset and his good ice presence shows that no matter what play Grabner is trying to finish, he’s doing something important.

Next: NHL Midseason Grades: Metropolitan Division

Grabner will only continue to impress this season. If he keeps it up he will have an all-new career high on his record. Regardless, Grabner was an underdog turned elite for the Rangers so far this season.

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