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Fresh start for McGrath Rookie pro forgets past, focuses on future ... Evan McGrath is more than ready for a change of scenery after finishing a stellar junior career with the Kitchener Rangers. The 6-foot, 192-pound center placed fifth in the Ontario Hockey League scoring race last season with a 37-goal, 114-point campaign. He also had his share of disappointment, as he was passed over for the Rangers' captaincy and didn't make Canada's world junior team. McGrath, who competed in the annual prospects tournament in Traverse City, Mich., this week, put it all behind him when he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Red Wings earlier in the summer. "It's a lot more exciting coming to camp signed than not knowing what's going to happen or where I might be," said McGrath. "It's a whole new experience. It's exciting and I'm just trying to live it and have some fun." Contract negotiations with the Red Wings didn't go smoothly, as the process dragged on and McGrath didn't sign until just before the June 1 deadline. "I had some reassurance from my agent and some in the Red Wings organization," said McGrath. "I knew they were happy with my year and I tried not to think about (the negotiations) much. I kind of had it in the back of my head, hoping that everything would work out." Though McGrath eventually got his deal, it wasn't in time for him to join the Grand Rapids Griffins for the American Hockey League playoffs, like his Kitchener teammate and fellow Wings prospect Jakub Kindl. "It would have been exciting joining them, but things didn't work out," he said. "It was a little slower to get the contract done than I hoped, but everything worked out for the best and I am still here, which is the main thing." McGrath is looking forward to competing for a spot with the Griffins this season, and has gotten to know head coach Greg Ireland and Jim Paek behind the bench during the prospects tournament. Both have communicated their expectations for him this coming season. "It's going to be a whole new experience for me and a whole new league," said McGrath. "I hope I can play the same game I played last year in the OHL. I am pretty excited for (the opportunity)." Up next is Detroit's main camp, which starts Friday. McGrath hopes he might have an outside shot at winning an NHL job. "There are a few open spots and a bunch of guys are battling for them," he said. "I just want to come out and show the GM and coaches what I have and maybe find myself in one of those spots. It gives me some hope." Sarah Lindenau will provide daily on-site coverage of the Detroit Red Wings annual prospects tournament from Traverse City, Mich. |
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