According to a report on WGR 550, the Buffalo Sabres top draft pick Mikhail Grigorenko is already here in Buffalo, working out for Kevin Devine and is beginning to talk contract with GM Darcy Regier.
Grigorenko visited Russia earlier this year for family purposes, but is planning on spending the rest of the summer in North America, and will be in Buffalo at least through their Rookie Development Camp on July 8-13. That camp, held each year at Niagara University’s Dwyer Arena, will be the first chance for fans to see what the new crop of draft picks, including two highly-touted first round centers, can do.
Regier wants to see his talented center signed as soon as possible, saying “I spoke with Mikhail’s agent right after the draft and our intentions are to get right to work on a contract very soon.”
For Grigorenko’s part, the kid certainly seems like he wants to be in the NHL when he said “For sure I want to play in the NHL and I’ll do anything to make the NHL, but if not then the Sabres will decide I’m not ready yet so I’ll go back to Ramparts.” It doesn’t sound like the pre-draft concern of him playing in Russia should be any worry; according to the WGR article, Grigorenko took three hours of English lessons per day when he moved to Canada just to make his transition to the NHL easier.
With Regier’s quick action and Grigorenko’s skill and confidence, it certainly seems like the Sabres will be giving him every opportunity to prove his worth and possibly start the 2012-13 NHL season in Buffalo.