McGrattan to be traded?

[Humpzilla]

http://www.ottawasun.com/Sports/Sena...20021-sun.html

Thursday,

Matt Carkner's in, so Brian McGrattan's probably out.

The Senators signed Carkner, a 27-year-old rugged defenceman who spent last season with the club's AHL affiliate in Binghamton, to a two-year, two-way contract yesterday. That should spell the end of McGrattan's days with the Senators.

Sources say Senators GM Bryan Murray will try to deal McGrattan for a pick during this weekend's draft. Failing that, the Senators likely won't send McGrattan a qualifying offer by July 1, turning him into an unrestricted free agent.

Carkner will make $500,000 if he sticks with Ottawa next season. Carkner will make less if he's in Binghamton, but it's believed he'll get a chance to play with the big club when toughness is needed.

[The Woodsman]

I have mixed feelings about this. McGrattan is one of my favourite players. He's loved in the dressing room and one hell of a good exciting fighter. He has never really gotten the opportunity he deserves here. If he gets traded to a team that will give him some ice then I will be happy for him, but it will sure suck watching him kick the **** out of Chris Neil.

[IcePlayer]

Originally Posted by Humpzilla

http://www.ottawasun.com/Sports/Sena...20021-sun.html

As an Ottawa fan, this sucks ass.

As a fighting fan, this sucks ass.

Sh*t, this just plain sucks ass.

[Unforgiven]

Nothing is for sure, just yet.

[antonio106]

Why sign up a tough guy, and promise to play him, when you've had a tough guy in McGrattan spend the better part of three years sitting in the press box? Someone please explain the logic behind this to me.

[suckerpunch]

Originally Posted by antonio106

Why sign up a tough guy, and promise to play him, when you've had a tough guy in McGrattan spend the better part of three years sitting in the press box? Someone please explain the logic behind this to me.

Because Carkner can actually skate and play two positions.

I am also wondering if:
A. McGrattan is one of the "undesirables" in the lockeroom (along with Spezz and Emery) and/or:
B. His shoulder is a mess.

[The Woodsman]

I think the idea would be to get Schubert onto the 4th line where he belongs and have Carkner playing as a third pairing D man.

[Unforgiven]

The thing is, Carkner can skate... But certainly not well enough to warrant any more ice time than McGrattan would likely see. He's also not even half the fighter McGrattan is.

The real issue is that its a two-way contract, whereas McGrattan has a one way. Which means if Carkner doesn't make the team, no big loss, send him to Bingo you can bring him up and down all year. It's not the same with McG. That luxury, especially with a new coach on who he wants to play is pretty key in this situation.

[FitzGerald28]

he would be a great fit in Toronto...

[The Woodsman]

Originally Posted by FitzGerald28

he would be a great fit in Toronto...

I agree. He could really make a name for himself there. It would be painful to watch him dismantle my Sens in blue and white, though.

[JKidd]

Originally Posted by suckerpunch

Because Carkner can actually skate and play two positions.

I am also wondering if:
A. McGrattan is one of the "undesirables" in the lockeroom (along with Spezz and Emery) and/or:
B. His shoulder is a mess.

If its B - he's in for a real nightmare trying to find work.

No team is willing to pay an enforcer money to fight a few times, and then be shelved with a shoulder issue.

Hell, there are few teams willing to even pay an enforcer money period.

I hope he stays in the show, but with a bum shoulder, who knows how long he'll be able to survive...

[Canucks_25]

Bring him to Van we'll give u Cowan I'd have Gratts on my team anyday

[suckerpunch]

Originally Posted by jkidd

If its B - he's in for a real nightmare trying to find work.

No team is willing to pay an enforcer money to fight a few times, and then be shelved with a shoulder issue.

Hell, there are few teams willing to even pay an enforcer money period.

I hope he stays in the show, but with a bum shoulder, who knows how long he'll be able to survive...

Well about the only poster on here who could possibly shed some light on all the speculation that's going on is Unforgiven and he won't be too forth coming as it will blow his cover.

I hope McGrattan sticks around, people love him here.

[Grittzkey]

I dontsee him moving.

[HordiBrusk29]

Gretzky better be all over this if he's available. Carcillo can't do it all on his own and the Coyotes desperately need someone to watch out for the young guns like Mueller and Turris.