The Buffalo Sabres start of the season has been mostly overshadowed by the uncertainty of talented 18-year old rookie Mikhail Grigorenko. As we all know, Grigorenko essentially had a five-game audition with Buffalo, at which time the team would have to decide to keep him on the roster and burn a year off his entry level contract, or return him to Quebec for juniors.
The decision has officially been made, and Grigorenko is staying in Buffalo. Sabres general manager Darcy Regier made the announcement at the team’s morning skate this morning.
Grigorenko has been held scoreless in five games this season, but his play has improved and against Washington on Sunday he had his best game, playing an effective game and producing a handful of quality scoring chances. He’s been on the third line but with the team struggling for offense beyond its first line, perhaps head coach Lindy Ruff starts making some changes beginning tonight when the Sabres face the Toronto Maple Leafs.
We’ll update this with comments from team personnel as they become available, but Sabres fans can step away from the ledge—Grigo isn’t going anywhere.
