Isles Pick Up Waived Grabner; Schremp Out

    The New York Islanders have added to their growing stock of raw and untapped talent by claiming forward Michael Grabner off waivers from the Florida Panthers. Grabner, Vancouver's 14th overall pick in 2006, was traded to Florida in June along with Steve Bernier and a first round pick (Quinton Howden) for Keith Ballard and Victor Oreskovich. Vancouver and Florida were both under the impression that this kid would be ready much sooner, however he is only 22 year of age (hardly on the bubble to be considered a late bloomer). Last season in Vancouver, Grabner posted 5 goals and 6 assists in 20 games while putting up 15 goals and 11 assists in 38 games with Manitoba of the AHL.

    For a team not overflowing with talent, the Florida Panthers waiving of the Austria native was quite a shock. To put it simply, GM Dale Tallon wasn't impressed.

“I was not surprised [Grabner was claimed], but he didn't have a very good camp and didn't earn a spot on our roster...I was disappointed with his play. He has a lot of potential but you have to earn your playing time here. Reputation doesn't mean anything to me. It gives an opportunity to someone else. We liked his speed and his skill. He didn't show any skill in camp. He can skate and has skill but didn't show any of it.'' - GM Dale Tallon on his decision to waive Michael Grabner.

    To be fair, Florida doesn't exactly have the most exciting players for anyone to have a field day with. The same could be said for the Isles, however, many of the young kids on Long Island are oozing with raw skill and maybe Grabner (who should see a substantial increase in ice time if he sticks in the NHL) could catch some chemistry with likes of John Tavares, Matt Moulson, Josh Bailey, Rob Schremp, and recently injured Kyle Okposo. If nothing else, this gives GM Garth Snow more talent to work with rather than having a thin roster with a couple good young kids that may or may not pan out. It should also be noted that Snow has a great track record at taking on other franchises project players. Take a look at Matt Moulson and Rob Schremp, both who have found thier niche in the Islanders system after being dumped off by their previous employers (The Isles will be without the services of Schremp for 3-4 weeks due to a lower back strain.

    It has been gossiped around the league that Snow hasn't been nearly aggressive enough in his approach, but just maybe he can go 3 for 3 on the waiver wire and be able to say he found a diamond in the rough.

-Dustin Lundberg