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Grabovski thinks Oates understands him

Toronto Maple Leafs v New York Islanders

UNIONDALE, NY - JANUARY 24: Mikhail Grabovski #84 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates his third-period goal against the New York Islanders on January 24, 2012 at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. The Maple Leafs defeated the Islanders 4-3 after overtime. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

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When Toronto used a compliance buyout on Mikhail Grabovski, the 29-year-old center responded by calling Maple Leafs coach Randy Carlyle an "[expletive] idiot.”

Grabovski didn’t feel Carlyle gave him enough support or playing time in a season where he averaged 15:34 minutes per game and recorded 16 points in 48 contests. He has since signed with the Washington Capitals and he thinks that his new bench boss, Adam Oates, gets him.

“I like everything [Oates] said [to me],” said Grabovski, according to CSN Washington.

His new deal is just for the 2013-14 campaign, but another lucrative contract could be on the way for Grabovski if he bounces back this season. He’s projected to serve as the Capitals’ second-line center, which sets him up nicely for his potential comeback.

As for his previous controversies with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Grabovski just wants to move on.

“It’s a new life now for me,” he said. “I’ll try my best to prove myself and play better than last year. Right now I just want to think about the future.”

Related:

Capitals ‘needed’ Grabovski, says Backstrom

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