TSN's Ryan Rishaug brought news this morning that has set the hockey conversation ablaze on Twitter:

Mikhael Grabovski on unconditional waivers — Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) July 4, 2013

Grabovski has been one of Toronto's top forwards for the last few years, but had a disappointing season under new head coach Randy Carlyle. He's slated to make $21.5 million over the remaining four seasons of his current contract, unless he clears waivers and the Maple Leafs buy him out.

But as J.R. Lind suggested... should the Nashville Predators claim him off waivers and instantly give themselves an upgrade at the center position? Just short-circuit the entire free agency process and grab a guy who's already under contract?

Mikhail Grabovski #84 / Center / Toronto Maple Leafs Height: 5-11 Weight: 183 Born: Jan 31, 1984

GP G A P +/- PIM PPG SHG GWG

SOG PCT 2012 - Mikhail Grabovski 48 9 7 16 -10 24 0 0 1 80 11.3

Season GP TOI/60 Pts/60 Corsi Rel On-Ice Sht % On-Ice Sv% PDO Pen Take Pen Drawn OZ Strt% Shots/60 2013 48 13.34 1.12 +1.0 8.5 904 988 0.6 0.8 36.7 6.84 2012 74 14.78 2.08 +14.9 9.3 906 999 0.7 0.8 53.0 7.30 2011 81 14.73 2.06 +21.3 9.8 917 1015 1.1 1.0 50.2 8.75 2010 59 13.50 1.96 +13.6 7.7 903 980 0.3 1.4 55.1 7.46 2009 78 13.37 1.84 +3.9 7.9 900 979 1.0 1.0 52.5 5.24 2008 24 10.31 1.94 -0.6 9.3 905 999 1.0 1.7 54.8 5.09

Fancy Stats via Behind the Net

This is a guy who typically drives puck possession like a beast, shoots the puck frequently and hit the 20-goal mark in three of the last four full regular seasons.

What's not to like?

Well, there's this:

Pretty sure the debate at 501 Broadway is whether taking a chance on a third Belarusian will be the charm. — Jim Diamond (@diamondhockey) July 4, 2013

The Preds have the 4th chance to take him, after Florida, Colorado and Tampa Bay. Do they dare to pass up the opportunity to acquire a legitimate Top 6 forward, without having to go through the uncertainty of the free agent market?

If you need a refresher on what Grabovsky could bring to the Preds, check out what Marc wrote in this space last year. There is that interesting anti-SK74 angle...