As the NHL is currently in lockout mode the Buffalo Sabres 12th overall pick Mikhail Grigorenko is back in the QMJHL with the Quebec Remparts. During the 2011-2012 season he lit up the "Q" by racking up 85 points in just 59 games. But is another year with the Ramparts good for him?
One would have to think that if it was not for the NHL lockout Grigorenko would be wearing the Sabres blue and gold right now and preparing for his NHL regular season debut instead of dominating the QMJHL.
The Remparts are 5 games into their season and Grigorenko has already racked up 12
points (3 goals and 9 assists) and is 4th in scoring. Not a bad start for the first round draft pick. Since there are issues that prevent him from playing with the Rochester Americans the only option for him and the Sabres is to play this season (or as long as the lockout lasts) with the Remparts. But Sabres fans should be cautious of his play in the "Q" this season.
Prior to the draft Grigorenko was ranked as the 3rd best player in the draft and many annalysts expected him to go in the top 5 and to the surprise of many he fell outside the top 10 all the way to the Sabres at 12th. That's a long way for a top 5 draft pick to fall. The reason he fell is because teams were afraid of his work ethic as he has a reputation of "mailing it in".
That is why if I was the Sabres I would keep a very close eye on his play. After racking up 85 points last season and already having 12 points in the first 5 games, Grigorenko know's he doesn't have to play his best and he'll still produce. At 6 foot 3 and 200 pounds he is already physically ready to play in the NHL and his skill level is extremely close aswell. It would not surprise me at all if he slacks off this season with the Remparts as he is ready for the NHL.
Even with a half-hearted effort this season I imagine he could still land himself in the top 20 of QMJHL scoring at least and since he has in the past "dissapeared" look for him to dissapear again this season. If Grigorenko is up to work hard this season he could easily lead the "Q" in scoring and lead his team all the way.
It will be interesting to see how Grigorenko plays this season with the Remparts, whether he goes all out or dissapears throughout the year. Even though there is nothing left for him in the QMJHL it would benefit him to work hard and help lead his team to prove to the Sabres that he is undoubtly ready for the NHL.
Keep an eye on Grigorenko and watch his commitment level it will show a lot..
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