• HOME
  • NHL Teams
    • North Division
      • Calgary Flames
      • Edmonton Oilers
      • Montreal Canadiens
      • Ottawa Senators
      • Toronto Maple Leafs
      • Vancouver Canucks
      • Winnipeg Jets
    • East Division
      • Boston Bruins
      • Buffalo Sabres
      • New Jersey Devils
      • New York Islanders
      • New York Rangers
      • Philadelphia Flyers
      • Pittsburgh Penguins
      • Washington Capitals
    • Central Division
      • Carolina Hurricanes
      • Chicago Blackhawks
      • Columbus Blue Jackets
      • Dallas Stars
      • Detroit Red Wings
      • Florida Panthers
      • Nashville Predators
      • Tampa Bay Lightning
    • West Division
      • Anaheim Ducks
      • Arizona Coyotes
      • Colorado Avalanche
      • Los Angeles Kings
      • Minnesota Wild
      • San Jose Sharks
      • Seattle Kraken
      • St. Louis Blues
      • Vegas Golden Knights
  • Headlines
  • NHL Rumors
  • NHL Prospects
  • World Juniors
  • Archives
  • Podcast Network
  • More…
    • CHL
      • Ontario Hockey League
      • Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
      • Western Hockey League
    • Columns
    • Women’s Hockey
    • Other Leagues
    • NHL Entry Draft
    • Books
    • NHL History
  • Log in
The Hockey Writers
  • Site Index
  • NHL Salary Caps
  • Hockey 101: A Beginner’s Guide
  • Join Our Team
  • Free Newsletter
  • Store
  • Log in
The Hockey Writers
  • HOME
  • NHL Teams
    • North Division
      • Calgary Flames
      • Edmonton Oilers
      • Montreal Canadiens
      • Ottawa Senators
      • Toronto Maple Leafs
      • Vancouver Canucks
      • Winnipeg Jets
    • East Division
      • Boston Bruins
      • Buffalo Sabres
      • New Jersey Devils
      • New York Islanders
      • New York Rangers
      • Philadelphia Flyers
      • Pittsburgh Penguins
      • Washington Capitals
    • Central Division
      • Carolina Hurricanes
      • Chicago Blackhawks
      • Columbus Blue Jackets
      • Dallas Stars
      • Detroit Red Wings
      • Florida Panthers
      • Nashville Predators
      • Tampa Bay Lightning
    • West Division
      • Anaheim Ducks
      • Arizona Coyotes
      • Colorado Avalanche
      • Los Angeles Kings
      • Minnesota Wild
      • San Jose Sharks
      • Seattle Kraken
      • St. Louis Blues
      • Vegas Golden Knights
  • Headlines
  • NHL Rumors
  • NHL Prospects
  • World Juniors
  • Archives
  • Podcast Network
  • More…
    • CHL
      • Ontario Hockey League
      • Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
      • Western Hockey League
    • Columns
    • Women’s Hockey
    • Other Leagues
    • NHL Entry Draft
    • Books
    • NHL History
Home
Buffalo Sabres

Mikhail Grigorenko: Setting Reasonable Expectations

By Chad DeDominicis April 27th, 2015

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp

Mikhail Grigorenko has struggled to meet expectations in his three seasons with the Buffalo Sabres organization.  The 20-year-old is restricted free agent this summer and the Sabres have a decision to make on his future with the franchise.  As a young player with talent, I expect Grigorenko to return next season.  However, it’s time to set the right expectations for the Russian center.

Pressure Out of the Gate

When Grigorenko was drafted 12th overall in the 2012 NHL draft he was portrayed as the future top center of the franchise.  Looking back to the Russian’s draft year, he was expected to be a top pick in the pre-season rankings.  Grigo’s stocked dropped during his draft year as his work ethic and skating were heavily scrutinized; to go along with an ankle injury and a battle with mono.  All those factors resulted in the skilled forward to drop into the Sabres lap at 12th overall.

Mikhail Grigorenko made the Sabre out of camp. (Aaron Bell/CHL Images)

 (Aaron Bell/CHL Images)

He was forced right into the Sabres lineup in his lock out shortened rookie season.  Grigo’s skating was not near NHL ready and his effort was poor or non-existent on most nights.  He was returned to his junior team after 25 games and again was sent back to Quebec the following season after 18 games.  This past season, Grigorenko came in with a new attitude and was able to get acclimated with the pro game in Rochester the AHL affiliate of the Sabres.  In an injury shortened season, he appeared in 40 games with the Americans, and posted 33 points.  The 20-year-old also played 25 games with the Sabres and recorded a career high six points.

The Sabres were desperate for a jolt to the franchise when they selected Grigorenko in 2012.  They incorrectly rushed his development and put a lot of pressure on the shoulders of an 18-year-0ld.  Buffalo is finally handling the development correctly by allowing Grigorenko to get used to the pro game in the AHL and earn his spot in the Sabres lineup.

Setting Correct Expectations

The Sabres are now headed into a new era with likely Jack Eichel as their new face of the franchise.  Grigorenko now likely slots in as the 4th center on the depth chart behind 1st round picks Zemgus Girgensons, Sam Reinhart, and likely future 1st round pick Jack Eichel.  Under this new role, Grigorenko has the opportunity to succeed.  He can finally play a role on the team in which he doesn’t need to be “the guy”.

I ask this question to fans when thinking of Grigorenko’s expectations for next season; would you take a Josh Bailey season from

Josh Bailey Islanders

(Icon SMI)

Grigo?  Bailey was selected 9th overall by the Islanders in 2008.  Bailey, like Grigorenko was thrust right into the NHL and had a lot of pressure put on him. Not including the lockout shortened season, in his six full NHL seasons Bailey has averaged 12 goals and 33 points.  Bailey has found a role on the Islanders roster that fits him best.  The same could be happening for Grigorenko this season.  In a bottom six role for the Sabres, a 33 point season is a fair expectation.  In 25 games this season, Grigorenko recorded 3 goals and six points.  Projected over 82 games, he would have posted ten goals and 20 points.  It doesn’t seem unreasonable to ask for 13 more points from Grigorenko to meet the seasonal average of Bailey

Another important part to remember when comparing Bailey and Grigorenko is the age.  Bailey is 25 and beginning to be an important member of his team.  At only 20-years-old, the Sabres may be unwise to give up on Grigorenko.  He still has the opportunity to develop into a meaningful player on the Sabres roster under the correct circumstances.  Next season could be Grigo’s opportunity at his first full NHL season on a team transitioning from the basement to winning games.

If Grigorenko could turn out to be what Josh Bailey has turned out to be for the Islanders, the Sabres should be very happy.  As a restricted free agent, the Russian forward could be used as trade bait in the offseason.  If he does indeed sign a new contract with the Sabres, fans should not give up on the idea of him being an important piece going forward.  Grigorenko is unlikely to be the top center Buffalo was hoping for, but he still fits on the roster in a minor role.

 

  • Tags
  • Josh Bailey
  • Mikhail Grigorenko
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp

Get theScore App Now!
Recent Posts
Jan 26th 6:20 PM
Calgary Flames

Tkachuk Shows His Ignorance Discussing Maple Leafs’ Campbell Injury

Jan 26th 6:10 PM
Vegas Golden Knights

Golden Knights Reaping the Rewards of Zach Whitecloud’s Development

Jan 26th 6:00 PM
Buffalo Sabres

Sabres Outlook After First 6 Games of 2020-21

Jan 26th 5:50 PM
Winnipeg Jets

Jets’ 2021 Offseason Free Agent Preview

Jan 26th 5:05 PM
Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks Unlikely to Call Up Former Fan Favourite Darling

Jan 26th 4:40 PM
Archives

The NHL’s Best Farm Systems Ranked – 2020-21 Season Update

Jan 26th 4:32 PM
Archives

Jimmy Howard’s Red Wings Legacy

Jan 26th 4:25 PM
Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins Not Playing to Full Potential in Comeback Wins

Jan 26th 4:15 PM
Colorado Avalanche

Mediocre Avalanche Road Trip Plagued by Inconsistency

Jan 26th 4:05 PM
Buffalo Sabres

Sabres Coach Ralph Krueger is a Jack of All Trades

Editor’s Picks
Wayne Gretzky - The Great One's 10 Most Unbreakable Records

Wayne Gretzky - The Great One's 10 Most Unbreakable Records

Test Your Wayne Gretzky Knowledge With Our Quiz

Test Your Wayne Gretzky Knowledge With Our Quiz

Masthead

Newsletters

RSS Feeds

Privacy Statement

Contact Us

About THW…

Founded in 2009, The Hockey Writers is a premier destination for news and information on everything hockey. Updated daily with news and features from over 130 writers worldwide. Over 2 million monthly readers now come to THW for their hockey fix.

© The Hockey Writers 2020. All rights reserved.
logo
  • HOME
  • Hockey Headlines
  • NHL Rumors
  • North Division
    • Calgary Flames
    • Edmonton Oilers
    • Montreal Canadiens
    • Ottawa Senators
    • Toronto Maple Leafs
    • Vancouver Canucks
    • Winnipeg Jets
  • East Division
    • Boston Bruins
    • Buffalo Sabres
    • New Jersey Devils
    • New York Islanders
    • New York Rangers
    • Philadelphia Flyers
    • Pittsburgh Penguins
    • Washington Capitals
  • Central Division
    • Carolina Hurricanes
    • Chicago Blackhawks
    • Columbus Blue Jackets
    • Dallas Stars
    • Detroit Red Wings
    • Florida Panthers
    • Nashville Predators
    • Tampa Bay Lightning
  • West Division
    • Anaheim Ducks
    • Arizona Coyotes
    • Colorado Avalanche
    • Los Angeles Kings
    • Minnesota Wild
    • San Jose Sharks
    • Seattle Kraken
    • St Louis Blues
    • Vegas Golden Knights
  • World Juniors
  • CHL
    • Ontario Hockey League
    • Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
    • Western Hockey League
  • THW Podcast Network
  • Store
  • FREE Newsletter
  • Search THW
  • More…
    • Join Our Team
    • The THW Archives
    • Prospects
    • The Goalie Page
    • NHL Salary Cap Information