My Favorite Grinders – Steve Downie

I watch a lot of hockey, both in person and on TV. Ordering the Center Ice cable package will do that to you. One of the most interesting aspects of any team is the grinder. He is what I would consider to be the 5 tool player in hockey. He can score, set-up, hit, fight, and flat out get the puck by any means necessary. In the world of hockey he gets little appreciation and no hobby value. On the ice, it’s a different story.

A good grinder can spark a team when it needs a pick-up. He can make young and old scorers look sensational. He sets up the snipers and assists the playmakers. This year, hands down I consider Steve Downie one of the top grinders in the sport.

Now puckheads, before getting up and screaming that I’m an idiot who has no idea about hockey, sit down, count to ten, and hear me out on this. So far this season Downie has put up 21 goals and 24 assists for 45 points in 73 games. He has racked up 202 penalty minutes and is one of the most feared players in the game. To top it off, he has a +/- rating of 15, showing you, that when he is on the ice good things happen for the Lightening.

Players like Steve Stamkos, Vincent Lecavalier, and Martin St. Louis have thrived with the arrival of Downie. Of course all the news surrounding Downie is not cupcakes and rainbows. He has had his downfalls as well including two different 20 game suspensions. One was when he was in the Juniors with the Windsor Spitfires when he attacked a teammate for not going along with being hazed and a second when he slashed a linesman after what he considered to be a bad call in the AHL.

Originally drafted by the Flyers, he never was able to solidify himself as a dependable top six forward. Upon being traded to the Lightning, he never established himself as a force. That all changed this year as he became more comfortable with his role in the NHL. You may not like Steve Downie but if he was on your team you would be worshiping the guy for what he brings to the ice.

As far as the hobby goes, Steve’s value on eBay is up and down. I have seen his autograph go for as little as a dollar and as high as 30 depending on the release size. The card pictured below is perhaps his best card. It is the 2007-08 The Cup rookie autograph and patch and can be yours fr $27 on eBay. As most of these Cup rookie auto patch cards run between $20-$30 for commons, I would consider this one a common card. He is going to have himself a great career and although he may never be a Hall of Fame caliber player, he is one of those guys you absolutely need on your team.