The concussion issues that plagued Mikhail Grabovski throughout last season have gone into this season, too.
Grabovski, who only appeared in 58 games last season, is still dealing with symptoms and, per Newsday, hasn’t been cleared to skate -- meaning he’s unable to participate as the Isles open training camp today.
The 32-year-old hasn’t suited up since Mar. 15 of last year, when he returned from a 10-game absence to play 17 minutes in a shootout loss to Pittsburgh.
At the time, the Isles were happy to have Grabovski back in the lineup, but the feeling was fleeting. Immediately after the Pittsburgh game, the club sent Grabovski back to New York for medical evaluation.
He didn’t play another game that year, or in the club’s playoff run.
Despite the injury-plagued campaign, “Grabbo” was reasonably effective in ’15-16. He had nine goals and 25 points while averaging just over 14 minutes per night.
Moving forward, one has to think the Isles are preparing for life without the veteran center. It’s entirely possible Grabovski could open the season on LTIR, which would represent nearly $5 million in cap relief.
The Isles signed Grabovski to a four-year, $20 million a little over two years ago. That contract is set to expire in the summer of 2018.