Globe's Fluto Shinzawa over at the Bruins blog is reporting that the Bruins have invited tough guy Brian McGrattan to training camp on a tryout basis. McGrattan is only 29 years old, and is 6'4", 235lbs. Last season McGrattan was with the Calgary Flames, played in 34 games, scored 1 goal, recorded 3 assists, and racked up 86 PIMs. He had a Gordie Howe hat trick last season (if you didn't know, that means he had a goal, an assist, and a fight in one game). McGrattan is an enforcer type of player and is one of the toughest guys out there. He had some real good fights last season (some posted below).
I like this move. I don't see him taking Shawn Thornton's place on the roster as the team's enforcer. Thornton has more offensive instincts than McGrattan, but McGrattan has more of a mean streak in him and can play nasty if needed. The Bruins could have used McGrattan in that game vs Pittsburgh last season. But anyways, I could see the Bruins giving McGrattan an AHL contract and have him protect their assets (talented young players in the AHL) and called up if Thornton gets hurt.
Some may ask if this was a move to counter the New York Rangers bringing in Derek Boogaard. It could be, but I doubt it. McGrattan has fought Boogaard twice in the NHL and both times Boogaard has dropped McGrattan.
Here are a few good fights Brian McGrattan had last season with the Flames.
I like this move. I don't see him taking Shawn Thornton's place on the roster as the team's enforcer. Thornton has more offensive instincts than McGrattan, but McGrattan has more of a mean streak in him and can play nasty if needed. The Bruins could have used McGrattan in that game vs Pittsburgh last season. But anyways, I could see the Bruins giving McGrattan an AHL contract and have him protect their assets (talented young players in the AHL) and called up if Thornton gets hurt.
Some may ask if this was a move to counter the New York Rangers bringing in Derek Boogaard. It could be, but I doubt it. McGrattan has fought Boogaard twice in the NHL and both times Boogaard has dropped McGrattan.
Here are a few good fights Brian McGrattan had last season with the Flames.
Brian McGrattan vs Steve MacIntyre on October 24, 2009
Brian McGrattan vs Colton Orr on November 14, 2009
Brian McGrattan vs David Koci on January 11, 2010
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