Avalanche Re-Sign Mikhail Grigorenko for One Year

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The Colorado Avalanche have re-signed restricted free agent forward Mikhail Grigorenko to a one-year contract, according to the team.

The Russian forward’s deal will be worth $1.3 million, according to Mark Chambers of the Denver Post. That is nearly double his 2015-16 salary of $675,000.

Grigorenko, 22, was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres with the 12th overall pick in the first round of the 2012 NHL Draft. He has since skated in 142 games in the NHL with the Sabres and Avalanche. He was traded from Buffalo to Colorado in a deal that sent Ryan O’Reilly to the Sabres on June 26, 2015.

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Since turning pro, Mikhail Grigorenko has netted 12 goals and 41 points. He set career-highs with 74 games played, six goals and 21 assists with the Avs last season on a two-way deal. It was his first full season in the NHL.

Once a highly touted first round draft pick, Grigorenko’s road to being a full-time NHLer hasn’t been smooth. He has struggled to produce offense like he did in the QMJHL and AHL but after a relatively successful season, Colorado will hope that the 6-foot-2, 209-pound forward will be able to produce at a higher level in all aspects of the game this upcoming season.