Grier's one-year contract with the Sabres has expired, and there has been some speculation that he could hang up his skates after 14 years of service time in the NHL. The Detroit native is a tireless worker who could still help out as a team leader, but he appears to have lost a step based on his 16-point effort of last season, when he flirted near career lows in terms of offensive output. Consider forwards with greater upside this fantasy season.
Grier is the embodiment of what Lindy Ruff wants out of a player. Grier is not a skilled player by any means, but no guy on the ice works harder than the Detroit native. Grier has been remarkably consistent offensively as well, posting 22, 23, and 22 points in each of the last three seasons respectively. That's right where he'll be again in 2010-11.
This season Grier will make his return to the Buffalo. Although he will add some needed physicality and leadership to the Sabres’ lineup, he’s still a third line forward who won’t put up big numbers in their offensive stats.
Grier is a gritty 11-year veteran with a tremendous amount of energy and a likeable passion for the game. He is in the final year of his contract and one of many Sharks excited to exploit offensive opportunities under new coach Todd McLellan. Grier's career high in points is 44 (Edmonton, 1998-99). He won't excite a fantasy owner in any particular category, but his overall game is satisfactory.
Grier had one of his best seasons in recent memory by posting 33 points (16 goals and 17 assists) in 81 games. The last time he put up more than 30 points was in 2002-03 when he notched 32 points (15 goals and 17 assists) in 82 games with the Washington Capitals. The last time he notched more than 33 points, 2000-01 season with the Edmonton Oilers. Grier’s versatility, whether it is position or situation, (penalty kill, power play, top line, or shut down line) makes him fantasy worthy.
Grier played in 81 regular season games for the surprising Sabres last year, scoring seven goals and 16 assists while providing valuable veteran leadership to a young team. The acquisition of Grier will help offset some of the loss from the departure of Alyn McCauley and Scott Thornton to Los Angeles. Of course, third and fourth-line forwards don't win your pool for you, now do they?
The 30-year-old Grier doesn't have too much fantasy value, but he's a decent second or third line filler who plays tough and provides a decent veteran presence. He did have nine points in just 14 games with the Sabres last season, but his expectations during a full season with the team would be more in the 30-35 point range. He's a former college teammate of Chris Drury, so any sustained time on Drury's line might bump that projection up a tad higher.
The 29-year-old Grier doesn't have too much fantasy value, but he's a decent second or third line filler who plays tough and provides a decent veteran presence. He did have nine points in just 14 games with the Sabres last season, but his expectations during a full season with the team would be more in the 30-35 point range. He's a former college teammate of Chris Drury, so any sustained time on Drury's line might bump that projection up a tad higher.
