McGrattan, Chorney Claimed

    The Nashville Predators have become much tougher after claiming Brian McGrattan off of waivers from the Anaheim Ducks. The move comes after he was signed to a one year deal by the Ducks in July. McGrattan has struggled to find his place after attempting to comeback from a substance abuse problem that saw him only suit up for 6 games during his time with the Phoenix organization in 2008-09. After appearing in 35 games for Calgary the following season, he was signed by the Bruins and hasn't played an NHL minute since. To make room for the claim, fellow tough guy Zack Stortini was placed on waivers.

Even though his NHL days have appeared to be numbered, annual Jack Adams candidate Predators coach Barry Trotz seems to think that McGrattan will become a much better player and is ready to stick in a lineup. Trotz is definitely near the top of my list of coaches I respect the most but pardon me if I seem skeptical.

“We just felt that McGrattan is a big player who fits that physical element,” Trotz said. “And he’s really gotten himself, according to sources, to where he has a chance to be a contributing player for us. He’ll give us some size, some girth up front, and he gets around the ice pretty well... I think he’s gotten to the next level of his career. Sometimes it takes a while. Just like (Jordin) Tootoo, it took a while and now he’s started taking it to the next level. I think McGrattan will give us an element that will be needed in the Western Conference this year.”

Given Nashville's existing size and compte level, if Trot's evaluation of McGrattan is correct then they may be even harder to play against than normal.

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The St. Louis Blues have added depth by claiming Taylor Chorney off of waivers from Edmonton. Chorney expendable as oil country has been packing on young talent while Chorney has been mediocre at best. With a stripped roster, he saw 12 NHL games going 1G-3A-4Pts with a -5 rating. His point totals aren't flattering and neither are his defensive prospects as he is a -30 in 56 NHL contests going 1G-6A-7Pts and -50 in 146 AHL contests going 12G-38A-50Pts. This was strictly a depth move.

-Dustin Lundberg