Another tough health development for Mikhail Grabovski?
Could be.
On Monday night, Grabovski lasted just 7:45 before exiting the Islanders’ home date against the Coyotes, and was officially ruled out with an upper-body injury early in the third period.
It’s unclear what’s ailing the 31-year-old, or when it occurred -- per Newsday, Grabovski went to the Isles’ bench following a opening-period collision -- but the fact he left the game entirely isn’t good.
And given his history, it’s really not good.
Grabovski only appeared in 51 of 82 games last year, missing extensive time with a concussion issues and a lower-body ailment. The year prior, in Washington, he only appeared in 58 of 82 games, missing extensive time with an ankle injury.
Prior to tonight, it looked like the veteran winger may have put his health issues behind him, having appeared in all 18 of New York’s games this season.
Grabovski’s in the second of a four-year, $20 million deal with a $5M average annual cap hit.