Preds want more than fists from tough guy

[jayc948]

Preds want more than fists from tough guy

Josh Gratton has learned his lesson about picking fights in the preseason.

Last year with Phoenix the enforcer threw a punch in the first exhibition game, broke his finger and sat out for six weeks. The injury was such a setback that he played in just one game for the Coyotes then spent the rest of the season in the American Hockey League.
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This year with the Predators the free agent acquisition vowed to take a different approach. As one of three tough guys fighting for the roster spot left open by Darcy Hordichuk’s departure, Gratton said he plans to put skating before scuffles.

“Preseason games are to get in shape and to show you can play hockey. I kind of learned my lesson the hard way. Now I use it to get my legs under me,” he said. “If a fight happens or someone takes a liberty on another player, I will definitely be there right in the mix of things. Other than that I am just going to try to prove I can play a regular shift in the NHL.”

And when the Predators begin their preseason schedule Thursday night, Coach Barry Trotz will be watching Gratton, Triston Grant and Kelsey Wilson closely.

“How good of a hockey player are you? Can you keep up with the pace? How long can you sustain it?” Trotz said. “I am sure they will stand up for their teammates and do their thing, but I have to see if they can play first.”

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[MrFrost]

Grant wont make it and I dont even know who Wilson is. Gratton will get the spot. But hes right, he needs to be a grinder out there and not just look for fights. He will have good bouts this year though.

[rondo]

Considering none of these guys are legit HW they better be able to do something other thant fight. Gratton is great but we all know that he is undrsized in todays hw fight game.

[MrFrost]

I agree he is undersized, but he definitely fights like a HW and fights all HWs. I do want to see him improve the skating and get on the PP or PK team.

[Odjick29]

I honestly feel Grant can play in the NHL, he suits a team like the preds, hopefully both him and Gratton make it

[Sugden Flu]

Gratton may be small compared to many of the HW's in the league. But, he's fought most of them in the minors and I've never seen him look overmatched. This kid can slug it out with the best of them.

[goaliefighter]

gratton should get the nod here after preseason but I would love to see grant get a few call ups too. Gratton can skate and play a regular shift while still being one of the first guys to stick up for his teammates, no matter how big the opponent is.

[killmachine]

Don't underestimate Wilson, he is what he is, but he does do well.

[Sugden Flu]

Josh is a much more manly name than Triston or Kelsey. They sound like cheerleaders, not hockey players. For that reason alone, the Preds should settle on Gratton.

[ScottRasner]

Originally Posted by Sugden Flu

Josh is a much more manly name than Triston or Kelsey. They sound like cheerleaders, not hockey players. For that reason alone, the Preds should settle on Gratton.

Well put, Gratton is an absolute warrior no doubt about it. He can stand in there with the best of em and take a full on bloody fist and still be standing like a tree. He and Cote would be a great bout imo

[ScottRasner]

Oh and another thing, if only his offensive fighting abilitys shadowed his offensive hockey skills, he would be a prized possesion.

[OHLTG_Dave]

Kelsey Wilson was a tough guy in the OHL for a while. Not NHL heavyweight material, but a solid middleweight and can put up a few points. He's got decent size at 6'1 215 or something, good guy to talk to.