[News] Grigorenko refuses to report to the Quebec Remparts. Update: Decides to report

[Goodlad]

Is his value that high though? I'm thinking it's more along the lines of Niederreiter. Minnesota only gave up Clutterbuck and a 3rd for him.

[PeteMoss]

Its entirely possible he'd play in the AHL... just doesn't want to waste his time in juniors where he has already shown he can dominate.

[gonzo29]

The guy looked like he couldn't be bothered to put in an effort playing for his country at the WJC, bad sign and a definite pass.

[getbak]

I don't think there's any chance the Sabres are even thinking about trading him at this point unless they get a clear win in the deal. You have to think they'd consider a deal for Baertschi, but I wouldn't do it if I were the Flames. Jankowski would make no sense for the Sabres.


As it stands, the only place he can play for the remainder of this season is with the Remparts. The QMJHL trade deadline was this past Tuesday, so he can't be traded there. He can't play in the AHL or NHL until the Remparts have played their last game, per the NHL-CHL agreement.


Even the KHL season is almost over. Because of the Olympics, they accelerated the season this year. There's two and a half weeks before their Olympic break starts (final games are January 29), and after the break, they have one more week of regular season games, then the season is over on March 4.

CSKA owns his rights in the KHL. They have 10 games left (6 before the break, and 4 after), and are 6th in their conference, so not a favourite to have a long playoff run.

[sureLoss]

He posted a statement on his facebook page. The Buffalo News has confirmed that it is his facebook account

https://www.facebook.com/MIkhailGrigorenko

Hi everyone,
I just want to apologized for the situation going on right now.

We just need to find a place for me where i can develop and be the best hockey player I can be.

I came to North America 3 years ago coming from a home in Russia where I never had a bed, a shower or heat...I work everyday to be the best hockey player I can be so I can provide for my family, have a better life... Because hockey is all I have, my passion, who I am.

I am so grateful I played in Québec with one of the best coach in the world, amazing fans, people and city. I got to play against great players who are now doing amazing in the NHL. I'm also so proud I was drafted in the NHL by the Buffalo Sabres organization. I love the city and people there. I love my neighborhood and I love the guys. They also have owners who want everyone to be happy and love their team so much.

Now I would just ask all of you guys to respect me and the time I'm taking to think about my career. It might be hard to understand but it is even harder for a teenager.

Grigo

[PeteMoss]

^^ clear selfish russian.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

It's the Sabres! Play him and finish last or risk losing him for good.

I know its popular around here to be scared of prospects and want to give to all their demands in "fear of losing them" but not appropriately managing someone because it might upset them isn't the way to set the organization or that individual up for success.

It's things like this which are why they spend so much time interviewing players and sometimes high profile players get passed over at the draft. It's not just the Russian thing, it's trying to figure out the mental toughness and reasonableness of prospects to being handled appropriately in the ever so important early development years.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by PeteMoss

^^ clear selfish russian.

there's about 5% chance he wrote that ... and I'm not really on anyone's side in this argument.

[OldDutch]

Ya, the quote "hard for you to understand but harder for a teenager" has agent PR stink all over it.

Who in their teens has the wisdom retrospect to say something like that before they have actually lived through it? That is the tell for me right there.

[Coach]

Originally Posted by nik-

there's about 5% chance he wrote that ... and I'm not really on anyone's side in this argument.

Based on....?

I don't really know anything about this kid at all, but it's not really a stretch to have a well-spoken 19 year old. If Monahan said something similar would anyone question it?

[Azhouse]

Originally Posted by Zulu29

At least Baertschi reports and doesn't pull a tantrum.

Well he reports...not sure about the second part of this statement.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by Azhouse

Well he reports anyway.

He doesn't pull tantrums either. People have built an entire bull#### narrative over one minor comment regarding the prospect camp and have allowed it to fester into something that's, frankly, embarrassing.

[Coach]

Originally Posted by Azhouse

Well he reports...not sure about the second part of this statement.

Evidence of a tantrum?

Its well documented that Baertschi is not happy to be in the AHL, but there's no evidence that he blames anyone but himself.

[cam_wmh]

If he's providing for his family back home, he's going to the KHL.

There's too many factors against acquiring Russians.

- They can make more money as 18, 19, 20 year old's, due to the ELC cap's in the NHL, in contrast to no ceiling in the KHL.
- They are closer to friends, family.
- Lower taxes


Honestly, I think the KHL has the upper hand on the NHL here, and it's going to continue. Gone are the Mogilny, Federov, Bure, even Malkin.. days of easily acquiring young Russians.

[Azhouse]

Sorry boys I guess he is not pouting. He will probably light up the AHL next year.


MOD EDIT: Removed inappropriate comment.

[nik-]

It's going to be great next year when we have a new shiny toy, and Monahan slumps and people turn on him too.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by nik-

there's about 5% chance he wrote that ... and I'm not really on anyone's side in this argument.

Yeah, the writing is a little too polished for someone one who has been in North America for 3 years. If he didn't have money for a shower when he was growing up, I doubt there was money for english lessons.

He should've just wrote "Why you hef to be mad?".

[moon]

Originally Posted by Table 5

Yeah, the writing is a little too polished for someone one who has been in North America for 3 years. If he didn't have money for a shower when he was growing up, I doubt there was money for english lessons.

He should've just wrote "Why you hef to be mad?".

He took English 5 days a week once he got to Quebec.

I doubt he wrote that but his english is pretty decent for a kid that didn't speak it before 17.

[Ashasx]

Originally Posted by OldDutch

Ya, the quote "hard for you to understand but harder for a teenager" has agent PR stink all over it.

Who in their teens has the wisdom retrospect to say something like that before they have actually lived through it? That is the tell for me right there.

...Either that, or, well, the rumours are true.

[nik-]

My doubts weren't based on his english, more so the structure of the post looking like a PR release.