Buffalo Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier today announced that
forward Mikhail Grigorenko has been assigned to the QMJHL's Quebec Remparts. The 6-foot-3 centerman recorded five points (1+4) in 22 games with the Sabres this season.
Grigorenko will arrive back in Quebec City as the Remparts' leading goal scorer with 29 goals in 32 games, while placing third on the team with 50 points. The Remparts are currently in sixth place in the QMJHL standings with two games left on the regular season schedule. While away, Grigorenko missed just 24 QMJHL games. He'll be eligible to return to the Sabres organization at the conclusion of his QMJHL season.
While Grigorenko didn't stick with the big club, the two-month NHL experiment should not be deemed a failure. His skating, especially his stops and starts, became much improved while his exposure to an elevated pace should lead to a continued dominance at the junior level.
The Sabres clearly have some sorting out to do while working their way through a season of disappointment. While that takes form, the Sabres' prized prospect gets placed in an intense, competitive environment with the junior year peaking into the playoffs.
