Earlier today, Buffalo Sabres GM Darcy Regier announced that the team has recalled Mikhail Grigorenko from the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL.
Grigorenko rejoins the Sabres after playing 22 games for the blue and gold earlier in the year, with many healthy scratches thrown in for good measure. Now, with five games left, interim coach Ron Rolston said that Grigorenko will have to “come back and earn what he gets”.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like he’ll get that chance right away, as Sabres reporter Kevin Snow Tweeted that Regier does not believe the Russian rookie will play tomorrow night in Boston. The question then becomes, why keep him on the roster just to evaluate him during practice rather than send him to Rochester where he could experience an AHL playoff run? Here’s hoping that he gets a fair shot to make an impact (i.e. not on a line with Scott and Kaleta, please) sometime in the near future.
Grigorenko, who started the season in Buffalo, was recalled once his junior season with the Remparts had come to an end. The 18-year old finished his stint this year in the Q with 30 goals and 24 assists in just 33 games, and tallied five goals and nine assists in 11 playoff games. He scored just one goal to go along with four assists during his 22 games in Buffalo.