McGrattan Looks To Find Home With Bruins

[jayc948]

McGrattan Looks To Find Home With Bruins

BOSTON -- Brian McGrattan sat back on July 1 and saw his fellow tough guys cashing in with big contracts in free agency and figured things would work out fine this summer.
He was surprised and disappointed when Calgary didn't offer him a new deal, but remained optimistic when the Rangers signed Derek Boogaard to a four-year deal worth $6.5 million and the Flyers added Jody Shelley for three years and $3.3 million, then the Capitals traded for D.J. King in response.

But McGrattan, one of the most feared fighters in the NHL over his five-year stint in the league, found himself still without a deal as the start of camp neared, and eventually settled for an invitation to Boston's camp without any guarantee of a contract.

"I got a call about 3-4 days ago," said McGrattan after his first practice with the Bruins on Saturday. "Sitting around all summer was getting a bit tough, so I was willing to take whatever came along.

"For one, I was surprised I wasn't re-signed by Calgary," added McGrattan. "Then seeing a couple of the big boys go right off the hop, I thought something was going to happen. But that's the way things work. Sometimes the hard way is the better way."

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[swhite]

It's great to see the Bruins offering McGrattan a try out but I just don't see where he'll fit on an already deep roster.

[NJDevils17]

It's good to hear that he has some connections with some Bruins players and management. Having Peter Chiarelli speak highly of him is a good sign.

Really hoping he makes the team. Bruins will be insane to watch if he does in terms of toughness and skill if he makes it (and I'll primarily be watching them again this season).

[Habs # 1]

Originally Posted by swhite

It's great to see the Bruins offering McGrattan a try out but I just don't see where he'll fit on an already deep roster.

Wish he was on Buffalo...

[BullyFan]

Does anybody see him making Boston's team?

They already have Thornton signed (not as tough but more skilled) and they have Lucic (who was disappointing last year).

Maybe they'll keep him and Thornton riding shotgun?

Either way, i'd love to see McGrattan in the East.
He's one of my favs. I'd like to see him end up somewhere where he'll be used.

Buffalo or Montreal (never happen) would be great.

[Smerri1029]

I've always liked McGrattan and was hoping all summer the Bruins would pick him up. He is so close now being invited to try out I so hope PC finds room and signs him.

[devils29]

Thornton is more valuable as a helping hand rather than the #1 enforcer. Give that guy a bit more time to "play the game" and handle the at-the-time fights and Gratts can play 40-50 games and handle the "staged" fights with Boogey, Godard, Shelley, King, etc.

[Ciccarelli]

Originally Posted by devils29

Thornton is more valuable as a helping hand rather than the #1 enforcer. Give that guy a bit more time to "play the game" and handle the at-the-time fights and Gratts can play 40-50 games and handle the "staged" fights with Boogey, Godard, Shelley, King, etc.

That's exactly what I hope for. Let Thornton concentrate on playing the game as a forechecker and fighter for the occasionally fights, but keep McGrattan and play him in games against teams that have real HW's in their lineup.

[Sugden Flu]

Good article. I really hope McGrattan makes the team. I've been a big fan of his since his rookie year. He's an old school gunslinger who knows his role. It would be exciting to see a guy like him wearing a B's sweater.

I'll even go out on a limb here and say that if Gratt's makes the team the Bruins will be the toughest team in the league, on paper. McGrattan, Thornton, & Lucic are a pretty formidable 1-2-3 punch. Not to mention guys like Chara, Stuart, Boychuk, and potentially Reich, who can chip in from time to time if need be. I know I'm getting ahead of myself here. But, the possiblities for fisticuffs are endless!

[everblades2]

I hope Gratts makes the team or gets a job with an Eastern team that will utilize him. The East will be a lot of fun to watch this year. Keep bringing in the heavies!