On Friday, the Sabres recalled Mikhail Grigorenko as an emergency player because Zac Dalpe couldn't play due to family reasons. Grigo skated in the 3-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators that night. The kid started the game centering the second line. Three shifts later, Ted Nolan dumped him down to the fourth line. On Saturday morning, Grigo was on his way back to Rochester.
Spare the rod spoil the child. eh, Teddy?
Some observers rationalized the roster move as the Sabres sending the kid back because he was the emergency call up.
Not me. I read the move as a demotion. ore like a punitive measure.
Today, Ted Nolan confirmed the premonition that I had after I first heard the news of Grigo's trip back to the "585".
An agitated Nolan told media on Monday that he didn't like what he saw from the former 12th overall pick in the 2012 NHL Draft. Thus, Grigorenko was given the heave-ho.
“I didn’t like his play,” said Nolan.
“In order to play at this level, especially with that much skill, he has to bring a little bit more than what he had. You never want to sit back and hope for things will work. You got to make them work.
“I thought his play on certain pucks was really lackadaisical. He didn’t have any energy or urgency in his game whatsoever. Hopefully, he’ll catch that one day.”
Nolan buried Grigorenko. Did the kid deserve such a negative review? I've spoken with the 20 year old a couple of times this season and to my ears it appears as though he has bought in to the Nolan-Murray way. He's been a good teammate and hard worker in Rochester and I haven't heard Coach Cassidy criticize him this season.
So, what gives in Buffalo?
Depends who you ask.
Personally, part of me respects Nolan for being as open and candid about Grigorenko as he was on Monday. The kid can be impressive on practices and inside shifts, however, he leaves you wanting more when you watch him play. At 6'3" and 225 lbs. He has the physical tools and world-class skill that can make him a high impact NHLer. I saw it firsthand last summer when after a very impressive Sabres rookie camp Grigorenko earned himself a roster spot in Buffalo with his very impressive training camp performances. Grigo silenced many critics with his fast hands and faster feet. He was arguably Buffalo's best forward in the preseason games. When camp closed, Sam Reinhart was granted his NHL tryout and Grigo was shuffled down I-90 to The Lilac City, where he has played well this season. To his credit, Grigo tool his demotion in stride. He vowed to work hard in Rochester so that when injuries and poor play hit he would be a Sabres recall.
In his defense, Grigo had just returned to the Rochester lineup the night before the recall to Buffalo. He had been shelved for a month while he was nursing a knee injury. Grigo scored a goal in his first game back for the Amerks. He was being recalled as an emergency guy, however, Nolan wanted to see more from the young, skilled Russian.
According to Nolan, Grigo didn't build a strong case (with inspired play) for why he deserved to stay in Buffalo beyond Friday night.
One and done.
It's become a punchline with Grigorenko.
“We could have argued and say, ‘Hey, let’s keep him here,’” Nolan said. “He didn’t give us enough of that to argue for.”
Nolan continued by saying that Grigorenko's so-so play was “very surprising.”
Like Lindy Ruff and Ron Rolston, Nolan wanted to see the kid use his NHL-level size and skill to make plays and to create chances. It didn't happen.
This is beginning to sound like a broken record.
“Not too many chances this early in your career and this much opportunity,” he said. “Some of these guys are going to have 16 games to prove themselves, and you can’t come to the rink lackadaisical.”
Grigorenko has scored just one goals and two points in 13 games in Buffalo this season.
Thanks, Sabres.com
Tim Murray stays out of Nolan's player selections. He only asks his head coach to submit his plans to play or sit each player.
Nolan expects to see more pop and production out of Grigorenko. Nolan sees the kid's sick skill and physical attributes. Nolan also see the work ethic wonders when and if the kid will ever put it all together.
I won't at all be surprised to see Grigorenko traded this summer. His NHL entry level contract is ending and he will become an RFA in July.
Who knows, we may end up seeing both former first round selected Russians, Grigorenko and Zadorov, included in trade to bring Ryan O'Reilly to Buffalo from Colorado.
I have more to say on this matter. More later.
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