Engels: The Bruins (among others) are “hoping to add” Michael Grabner

EDIT (10:34 PM): Grabner has been dealt to New Jersey. My beautiful post is a waste. You can still read it below, if you want to reminisce about the good Grabner rumor times...

The rumor

The rundown

Michael Grabner has spent the last two years in Manhattan, where he’s done pretty much nothing but score.

The 30-year-old Austrian wing has scored 52 goals in 135 regular season games for the New York Rangers. His contract expires at the end of this season, and his cap hit (for the year) was just over $1.5 million, so adding him wouldn’t be a cap issue.

Grabner is a left shot who is listed on the Rangers’ website as a right wing, though it appears he’s played left wing from time to time as well.

He’s an extremely fast skater, and seems to get a breakaway per game when he plays against the Bruins.

Where would he play?

He could bounce around the Bruins’ lineup, really.

He could slot in with Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand if Bruce Cassidy elected to bump David Pastrnak. He could skate with David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk.

The problem, of course, is finding a spot. The Bruins’ lines are rolling pretty well right now. Assuming a forward isn’t traded, who gets bumped? Hard to say.

What would he cost?

Ah yes, the million dollar question. He’s having a better season than Rick Nash, but Nash will probably command more due to his pedigree.

Grabner would likely cost a first- or second-round pick, plus a high-level prospect, someone who, if not currently NHL-ready, is just about there.

What’s the likelihood?

I’d say the Bruins acquiring Grabner is more likely than them acquiring Nash or Ryan McDonagh. His speed would be a good fit with this uptempo Bruins team, and he shouldn’t cost as much as those other two.

Make a deal

Dan: This is just me throwing something at the wall, but how about: Peter Cehlarik and Florida’s 3rd-round pick this year.

Jason: 2nd- and 4th-round picks.