Islanders' Grabovski planning to change his game after concussions

Mikhail Grabovski will make adjustments in order to remain on the ice.

The 31-year-old forward, who signed a four-year, $20-million contract with the New York Islanders last summer, was limited to 51 games in 2014-15 due to not one, but two concussions.

Grabovski spent the summer resting and getting back to full health, and said he needs to change the way he approaches the game in order to avoid further head injuries.

"Maybe I have to be more aware on the ice," he told Arthur Staple of Newsday. "It's not a lot of space out there any more, so I need to change my game a little. You get older, you get smarter, right?"

Grabovski has proven to be an effective player over the course of his NHL career, bringing a measure of defensive responsibility and puck possession to complement decent offensive numbers.

He scored nine goals and added ten assists for the Islanders last season, and his presence in the lineup could improve the club's chances of becoming a true contender in the Eastern Conference.