The Boston Bruins, never seemingly set to have enough actual punch in their lineup, are bringing in a fighting specialist on a tryout. Former Senators and Flames enforcer Brian McGrattan will be putting on the foil during training camp for the Bruins and his pedigree speaks for itself.
While his NHL work is a bit scattered, he’s got a legendary record in the AHL for single-season penalty minutes with a staggering 551 compiled in 2004-2005 with Binghamton. What’s even more stunning about that record is he did it in 71 games, good for 7.7 PIMs per game.
If Shawn Thornton needs any motivation to do his job with his fists this year in Boston, McGrattan should provide enough of a scare to last for a while. Of course, Thornton can do a bit more than just fight, so he’s got that going for him. For sheer scare purposes though, McGrattan has the edge in spades.