It's time to put the finishing touches on the 2010-2011 season for the Buffalo Sabres. Here is a complete report card of every single player that played any amount of time with the Sabres this season. The journey began with Luke Adam and will conclude in a month with Mike Weber. Thanks to Japers Rink and Mile High Hockey for the inspiration.
Age before beauty: it's time for Mike Grier.
Mike Grier
#25 / Right Wing / Buffalo Sabres
6-1
224
Jan 05, 1975
Contract: Cap hit - $1.5 million; will be UFA this summer
2010 Rating: 8.0
Introduction: Although he's been a fan favorite during his multiple tenures in Buffalo, there's no question that age is beginning to catch up with Mike Grier. While he hasn't aged himself into uselessness just yet, Grier had a slightly disappointing campaign that saw his role diminish with the team as the season wore on. Nevertheless, he's publicly stated that he'll only play another year if he can stay in Buffalo, and he'll always have a big role in the locker room, especially with the younger players.
Key Stat: Grier spent the most time on the ice per 60 minutes in shorthanded situations, leading the team at 2:43 per game. It's a nice feather in Grier's cap this year, but as you'll see below, it's a double-edged sword.
Did You Know: Mike Grier should be playing in the NFL - his father Bobby Grier is the Director of Pro Personnel for the Houston Texans, his brother Chris is the Director of College Scouting for the Miami Dolphins, and he's even related to Pro Bowl defensive lineman Roosevelt Grier.
Thumbs Up: Grier's best asset is his presence in the locker room -- Ennis, Myers, Gerbe, and Vanek have recently talked about how much they appreciated Grier's leadership and friendship off the ice. His experience gives him an incredible ability to read the play, especially on the PK, but his body usually is a step too slow to get to the puck. He's not afraid to use his body; #25 had the third most hits on the team for forwards. Grier was the Sabres Masterson Trophy nominee (for comeback player of the year) for his recovery from his knee injuries last year.
Thumbs Down: It's pretty clear by now that Grier's lost a step -- for a time we renamed his breakaways to the more accurate "cruiseaways." Though he averaged the most time per 60 on the PK, he also gave up the most goals, so let's classify him as an extremely willing and capable penalty killer as opposed to a great penalty killer. Grier also had the lowest goal output of his career with just 5, and was virtually non-existent in the playoffs.
Voting: On a scale of one to ten, one being the lowest and ten being the highest, grade Mike Grier on his season according to the expectations you had for him. If he met them, give him a five or a six. If he eclipsed them, aim for a seven or beyond. If he failed to meet them, give him a lower number relating to how poorly he missed the target.
Topics Of Discussion: Does Grier have one more season left in the tank? Even if he does, is he worth bringing back?