After getting limited playing time with the Buffalo Sabres in 2013-14, the team finally decided to return 19-year-old forward Mikhail Grigorenko to the QMJHL Quebec Remparts. The only problem is he hasn’t reported for duty.
The obvious question is what happens now. Grigorenko isn’t eligible to play in the AHL yet and the Sabres would presumably like to avoid seeing one of their top prospects head to the KHL.
For his part, Grigorenko made his case by posting on a Facebook account the Buffalo News has verified to be his. He later deleted his message, but this being the internet, it still exists.
In his post, Grigorenko apologized for the situation and reaffirmed that he is proud that Buffalo took him with the 12th overall pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
“We just need to find a place for me where i can develop and be the best hockey player I can be,” Grigorenko wrote.
He went on to say that he’s thinking about his career and asked for patience while he does so.