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

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

Come on. Sam Reinhart is the projected 1st pick in this draft. He's 2 years younger than Grigorenko. How many points did MacKinnon get in the WJC last year?

Reinhart is literally better at every facet of hockey than Grigorenko.

We will see. Although I do like the fact that Reinhart is a righty.

[Calgary4LIfe]

This kid has great size and skill. Knock on him that made him fall in the draft was the questions surrounding his compete level.

I actually don't blame him for pulling this. Buffalo completely mismanaged him. With that being said, I wouldn't trade Baertschi up for him, and that is likely what it would cost at minimum. Buffalo are the weakest organizationally on forwards, especially 1st line centers. You don't trade those away for pennies on the dollar.

If there was a way to get him cheap, I would hope the Flames are all over that. I just don't see it.

[moon]

Originally Posted by dammage79

And Reinharts done what exactly to warrant being better than this player? As far as it goes right now at this point, including the WJC, the only thing hes done differently was be born Canadian.

Grigo had 8 points in the WJC compared to only 5 for Sam. I don't know why others say he was horrible without saying Reinhart was as well.

Junior stats wise they are on par with each other but Sam has an extra season to pad those up.

So yes, when I said I'd rather Grigorenko than Sam Reinhart I meant it. Of course we will see in the next couple of seasons if I will be wrong but as it stands now, not much difference.

Reinhart has at worst equal offensive abilities/upside, plays a much better all round game including defensively and a willingness to be physical, he shows a higher hockey IQ and has had 0 incidents in his past to make people concerned.

He is a much better prospect than Grigorenko and below him in roughly zero areas.

[Coach]

Originally Posted by jonesy

IF Monahan wrote something well thought out in russian, i would question it.

What if spent 3 years taking Russian lessons everyday?

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by dammage79

6'3 200 lbs elite skilled center? You gotta take a stab at acquiring one if they become available. Seems really simple for Grigorenko. give him NHL minutes and the whole KHL thing goes away. Obviously feels he done with the minors. Its a tough spot to be in.

This shows a complete lack of understanding on team dynamics. You don't just give someone minutes so the "KHL thing goes away". That's a pretty goofy way to explain away a really serious issue, on your part.

Your defence of Russian prospects and your disdain for anyone who raises legitimate concerns is very odd. Russians prospects packing up and going home to the KHL is not some fantasy issue that Canadians make up to make ourselves feels better (which seems to be what you're insinuating). It's a very real possibility and a disaster for teams when it happens with high draft picks.

Just bizarre thoughts from you in this thread. Although, you seem to really covet this player, so maybe it's your like of the player that's clouding your thoughts?

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by flameswin

This shows a complete lack of understanding on team dynamics. You don't just give someone minutes so the "KHL thing goes away". That's a pretty goofy way to explain away a really serious issue, on your part.

Your defence of Russian prospects and your disdain for anyone who raises legitimate concerns is very odd. Russians prospects packing up and going home to the KHL is not some fantasy issue that Canadians make up to make ourselves feels better (which seems to be what you're insinuating). It's a very real possibility and a disaster for teams when it happens with high draft picks.

Just bizarre thoughts from you in this thread. Although, you seem to really covet this player, so maybe it's your like of the player that's clouding your thoughts?

It bothers me that no matter where a player is from they are crucified because of a couple others that picked up their ball and went home.
It isn't a fantasy issue, but it is far too overblown here in this forum.

I do like Grigorenko a lot. Look back to the 2012 draft thread and you'll see I was about the only one or two people that were stupified that he slipped so far and cautiously optimistic he would fall into the Flames lap.

I don't care about the Russian factor as much as I maybe should. But I've always been of the belief you don't pass on elite talent just because of where he is from. The ability to go home or not, you have to take a chance on them. It's just easier to go against Russian players over other picks because they have a clear out if thing's don't work out. I.E he may be a bust here but he can go home and play and make millions. Even last draft, you wouldn't find a bigger Nichushkin supporter on this forum.

In the cases of some of these players the last few years, it doesn't matter how much they profess to want to be in North America or that it's been their dream to win a Stanley Cup, people still find a way to crucify them for being Russian. Even though they share the same dream as the kids from Canada or anywhere else.

If IIHF and the KHL and NHL came to a similar agreement like they do with Sweden, we wouldn't be having these stupid arguments about Russian players. Maybe toss some hate towards the people that run the game and not the players.

[nik-]

Grigorkenko made comments about the KHL option before the draft. He also mailed in the last half of his draft season. If you were stupified that he dropped, you weren't paying attention.

[moon]

People aren't hating Grigorenko because other Russians picked up their ball and went home they are hating him because he is the one who picked up his ball.

[BACKCHECK!!!]

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

"Dammeet Bob, why you haff make me sound like beeg poooosseeey? Girls will think I some kind of leetle b*eetch, and i end up with only fat girls blyad. Fat ugly French wife like you, thats no way to live, man. When I go back to Russia, you come visit, I let you do five hoookars at the same time in my Bentley. I pay, no problem."

[Oling_Roachinen]

Originally Posted by dammage79

Pagnotta ‏@TheFourthPeriod 2m
With Grigorenko not reporting to Quebec (QMJHL), Sabres & his agent need to figure out a game plan. Too early to trade him? Maybe/Maybe not.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but he's been assigned to the QMJHL. The agreement in place between the NHL and CHL prevents him from being 'called' up, I don't think it has anything to do with him actually reporting. So he's not capable of playing in the NHL this season. Similar, the agreement with the AHL prevents players drafted from the CHL from playing in the AHL unless they are 20 by Dec 31st of that season, Grigorenko isn't. (Edit: At least until his CHL season is done)

Trading him would do nothing to rectify that. His options, unless CBA strings are pulled, are limit to be QMJHL or Europe[. He might end up getting loaned to the KHL, like Ottawa did with Filatov, but that's only going to be with his NHL teams permission. Don't really see the point in trading him. (Edit2: Sounds like the NHL can't even loan him to the KHL or another league as they sent him to his QMJHL. It's pretty much CHL or sit out it seems).

[Lanny'sDaMan]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

Why?
Glencross is an nhler. This guy is unproven and could bolt.

If by NHLer you mean utterly disinterested (in the few weeks he's been uninjured) then yes. Personally I would take an unknown risk vs a guy who has clearly checked out.

[dammage79]

Trade for Grigo, Draft Ekblad. Win win.

[Poe969]

I'd still take him on our team. I think he still has a bright future in the nhl

[spuzzum]

At the end of the day, a professional hockey contract is a job. A player is an employee. He has the right to refuse to go anywhere other than the place he signed. In return, he does not get paid and sits. Another employer might take a risk and trade for his contract. Or he might decide that it is worth to follow his employers wishes and report where assigned and wait for another call up.

I am certainly not on his side, but imagine making $175 an hour as a lawyer and then get assigned to serving coffee in the canteen making $10.25. Most employees would flip the bird and walk. Hockey is not the same as the corporate world, but I can see how these players feel in these situations.

[sureLoss]

Originally Posted by Oling_Roachinen

Correct me if I'm wrong, but he's been assigned to the QMJHL. The agreement in place between the NHL and CHL prevents him from being 'called' up, I don't think it has anything to do with him actually reporting. So he's not capable of playing in the NHL this season. Similar, the agreement with the AHL prevents players drafted from the CHL from playing in the AHL unless they are 20 by Dec 31st of that season, Grigorenko isn't. (Edit: At least until his CHL season is done)

Trading him would do nothing to rectify that. His options, unless CBA strings are pulled, are limit to be QMJHL or Europe[. He might end up getting loaned to the KHL, like Ottawa did with Filatov, but that's only going to be with his NHL teams permission. Don't really see the point in trading him. (Edit2: Sounds like the NHL can't even loan him to the KHL or another league as they sent him to his QMJHL. It's pretty much CHL or sit out it seems).

There is some speculation (on other forums) he can get out of the NHL/CHL agreement if the Remparts release him... perhaps that is his end game. If he can be released by the Remparts, then perhaps that opens up the door for an AHL assignment.

However it would set a dangerous precedent for other players that would rather go into the AHL... refuse to report until your CHL team releases you. I imagine the Remparts would feel pressure from other CHL teams not to release Grigorenko.

[Scoreface]

Originally Posted by moon

I am not saying that is what we should trade for him I am saying that is what it would take to get it done.

The Sabres aren't going to want our crappy veterans or second tier prospects.

Good. Don't want Stinky or any B grade prospects either.

Thanks for clearing that up.

How about how Team Canada was robbed out of a medal??

[sureLoss]

Grigorenko has removed the apology from his facebook page.

[Badgers Nose]

If there was any way to get this guy I would be all over that. But IMO it's Seguin style pipe dreams. Flames have almost nothing anyone would want except young guys that it is imperative they keep.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by Badgers Nose

If there was any way to get this guy I would be all over that. But IMO it's Seguin style pipe dreams. Flames have almost nothing anyone would want except young guys that it is imperative they keep.

Other way around. There isn't anything Buffalo would want that Calgary would be willing to give up in exchange for a lazy, moody, ineffective Russian.

[PeteMoss]

Always a good reminder that Gio ran off to Russia when the Flames wouldn't give him a one way deal.

Also - this could potentially hurt the CHL in landing Russian players. They may be more likely to go the USHL or just stay in Russia to avoid this situation. Its entirely possible the Oilers would have sent Yakapov down to the AHL this year if they could.