Observations:

July 2016 – Grigorenko has signed a one year deal to stay with the Avs and avoid arbitration, garnering a significant raise from his previous deal. Considering his success in the top-six at the end of last season, all signs point to him getting the chance to build on it. His 27 points last season should be the minimum expectation going forward given the rotisserie of linemates and spots in the lineup he had last year; a breakout season could be upcoming if he maintains a stable position alongside one of Colorado's top centermen. Hayden Soboleski 

October 2015 – Grigorenko has made the Avalanche roster for the 2015-16 season, but has been a scratched 13th forward in every game so far. Injuries or poor play by teammates will eventually get him into the lineup, but he will have to produce when that happens to hold on to whatever spot he can get. His potential is still high if he gets a chance in the very talented top-six as his skill level was evident in training camp and preseason (and most of his career so far). Hayden Soboleski

July 2015 – Grigorenko finished a lackluster 2014-15 campaign with six points (three goals, three assists) in 25 games with the Sabres. Given his limited number of appearances (25), ice time (15 minutes/games) and powerplay time (1 minute/game), Grigorenko’s skill didn’t get a chance to shine often under coach Ted Nolan, who “didn’t like his play” and thought his game “didn’t have any energy or urgency”. Under a new coaching staff with an established positive relationship (Roy coached Mikhail in the QMJHL for two years with great success), expect more opportunities for Grigorenko’s talents to be utilized next year, where he could be a contributing member of the Avalanche’s top-nine forwards. Hayden Soboleski

June 2015 – As part of the package that brought Ryan O'Rielly to the Buffalo Sabres, Mikhail Grigorenko, along with JT Compher and Nikita Zadorov, was shipped to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange. There have been circling rumours that Girgorenko has been considering returning to Russia to play in the KHL after struggling to earn a role with Buffalo over the past few seasons. Stay tuned for updates. Brendan Ross

March 2015- Due to the rash of injuries and flurry of trades at the deadline there's been lots of movement within the Buffalo Sabres pipeline. Grigorenko was recalled by the Sabres just after the deadline but with he himself just returning after a four week absence because of a knee injury they figured it was best to let him get his feet under him in Rochester as the lead man. With Varone, Schaller and Larsson up with the big club it leaves Grigorenko has the de facto number one scorer. Grigorenko should relish this opportunity and run with it to prove to management the sleeping giant is finally awake. Hoepfully you didn't move the former 12th overall selection while his value was down as Tim Murray and Co. have continually done the right thing with Grigorenko since they took over and it appears to be paying dividends now and hopefully for many years to come. Travis Watson

December 2014- The Buffalo Sabres have recalled one of their top prospects in Mikhail Grigorenko. As the saying goes the third times a charm and that's exactly what the Sabres are hoping for with the talented young Russian forward this time around. At the time of his promotion he was fourth in team scoring with 19 points in 27 games played for their minor league affiliate in Rochester. The Sabres are quietly putting together a nice little run winning 10 of their last 13 games with six consecutive wins at home for the first time since all the way back in February of 2007. Hopefully, Grigorenko can make a seemless transition and create some offence to help keep Buffalo in the playoff hunt. Travis Watson

October 2014- After the disappointment settled of having been sent back to Quebec of the QMJHL for the second consecutive year it seems Grigorenko has finally found the motivation to prove that he belongs. Grigorenko routinely looked like one of the better Sabre forwards on the ice thoughout camp and in preseason games but ultimately it was decided he would be best served heading to their AHL affiliate in Rochester. He will get every opportunity to be the star there with plenty of ice-time and time to properly get accustomed to playing against men. Certainly once an injury or two hit Buffalo will look to the young Russian to step up and fill the void. At that point it will be on Mikhail to prove to management that he belonged to stay from the beginning this time. This may be just what he needed to give him that extra push to get his career back on track! He's still a top-end talent and someone worth stashing in dynasty leagues. Travis Watson

January 2014- For the second straight year Grigorenko has been returned to his junior club, the Quebec Remparts. This move comes on the heels of another disappointing season and despite recent success at the 2014 WJHC newly hired GM Tim Murray decided it was in the best interests of the Sabres and for his future development. Speculation is that Grigorenko’s agent has informed the Sabres that his client will not report to the QMJHL. Travis Watson

January 2014- Grigorenko was able to open the scoring for the Russians in their 2-1 victory over Canada helping take home a Bronze medal for the second straight year and second consecutive year sending the Canadians home without a medal. He finished tied for second with Canada’s Anthony Mantha with five goals and ninth in overall tournament scoring with eight points. Grigorenko was named one of Russia’s top 3 players of the WJC but he still hasn’t been able to translate the same success over the pond in North America. Keep an eye on him over the remainder of the season to see if he can finally get things going. Travis Watson

December 2013 – Mikhail Grigorenko is one of 13 forwards selected to the Russian Under-20 World Junior roster for the upcoming Championships in Malmo, Sweden.  Coming off a disappointing debut season many were expecting more out of the talented Russian youngster, but again he has fizzled out of the gates. Sabres disappointment is Russia's jubilation as Grigorenko looks to reinvigorate himself while trying to help lead his country back to gold after a two-year absence. Travis Watson

December 2013- New Sabres management is looking to steer the ship in the right direction. They are looking out for whats best for the Sabres now and in the future. First order of business is helping Grigorenko get back on track. The 2012 Sabres 1st round pick has been grossly mismanaged to date and it is showing in his development. The old regime kept him to begin the year last season and then they realized their mistake so they sent him back to his junior club but that was already after playing in 25 games and in turn burning a year off his entry-level deal. Then again same thing this year, they kept him up to begin the year and same thing under utilized him and he wasn't ready and now he is stuck in no mans land as he is too talented to play junior but too young to play in the AHL. In with the new regime and one of the first good things they have done is lend Grigorenko to Russia for the upcoming 2014 World Junior Championships. Buffalo is hoping this will help give him some confidence so he can come back a more confident and hungry player.Travis Watson

November 2013 – The Buffalo Sabres attempted to send Grigorenko to the AHL on a conditioning stint, in hopes of him earning more ice time, but the league rejected that move. By the rules, Grigorenko must either suit up for the Buffalo Sabres or be sent back to the QMJHL, where the Quebec Remparts own his rights. The 2012 1st round selection of the Sabres hasn't progressed as hoped with the big club picking up three points in the opening 15 games. Grigorenko has been used sparingly this season logging an average of 11:18 minutes per game and 1:02 minutes on the powerplay. It's clear that the Sabres want Grigorenko to receive more minutes and it will be interesting to see where he ends up for the remainder of the season. His fantasy value for the remainder of the season is very low. Brendan Ross

September 2013- If you were looking to catch Grigorenko on Buffalo's prospect roster at their recent tournament in Traverse City you would have been left disappointed. Mikhail was ruled ineligible due to the fact that he appeared in 25 games for Sabres last season. Grigorenko's ceiling still remains high for the future but don't expect fantasy star success for the 2013-14 season. Expect improvements to his game with 25-40 points.  Travis Watson

March 2013 – After suiting up in 21 games, the Buffalo Sabres have sent their 2012 1st round selection, Mikhail Grigorenko, back to the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL. Grigorenko was played sparingly, averaging less than 10-minutes-per-game, and recorded one goal and five points during his first NHL stint. Grigorenko remains a promising fantasy prospect so do not be discouraged by this reassignment as his future remains bright. Brendan Ross

February 2013 – After playing fifth game and being told he would be sticking with Sabers, Grigorenko responded by scoring his first NHL goal and had points in back to back games. His ice times have been jumping bouncing up and down and so has his game efforts. Consistency is a constant battle with young players and he will be no exception. He is an exciting asset to acquire in a keeper league. Jason Banks

October 2012 – Mikhail Grigorenko was named to the 2012 Subway Super Series Team Russia Roster slated to compete in a six-game series against the Canadian Hockey League all-star teams from the QMJHL, OHL and WHL in November. Brendan Ross

October 2012- Mikhail Grigorenko has eight goals and 20 points in just nine games to start the 2012-13 season. Eric Daoust

July 2012 – Grigorenko signed an entry level contract with Buffalo. The Sabres have depth down the middle but he could stick as a winger. – Eric Daoust

June 2012 – Grigorenko, considered as one of the top offensive players in this draft class, slides all the way down to 12th to the Buffalo Sabres. Brendan Ross

May 2012 – After tallying 40 goals and 85 points, Grigorenko was named the CHL's BMO Rookie of the Year Awards. Despite posting a respectable 10 points in 11 playoff games, Grigorenko has recently been criticized for his inconsistent work ethic causing him to slip in the final rankings.The talented Russian still remains one of the elite offensive players available in the 2012 draft class. Brendan Ross

April 2012- Grigorenko was awarded the Rookie of the Year title and finished the year eighth in league scoring. The big Russian is projected as a top five pick in the upcoming draft. The slick center has the size and skills that teams drool over. He is a playmaker first and foremost, but can also put the puck in the net. He could return to the QMJHL next season to improve his defensive play, but has the tools to play in the NHL as soon as next season. Derek LeBlanc

February 2012  – Mikhail Grigorenko is a shifty right winger currently playing for the Quebec Remparts in the QMJHL. The skilled Russian has shown shades of a young Evgeni Malkin, en route to leading all QMJHL rookies in goals and points. Spectacular puck protection and a unique ability to create for himself and teammates are among his greatest strengths. John Canario

Fantasy Outlook: B+

Still has tantilizing skill, just hasn't been able to carry it over to the pro level at this point.

Footage:

Mikhail Grigorenko 2011-12 highlights:

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