Mikhail Grigorenko, the 12th overall pick at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, has been dropped from the Sabres and will report to AHL Rochester, agent Jay Grossman announced on Monday.
Grigorenko, 20, is a tantalizing talent that Buffalo selected out of QMJHL Quebec two years ago, but has had a difficult time adjusting to NHL play. It could be argued, though, that the Sabres are somewhat responsible for that; Grigorenko was rushed into action as an 18-year-old during the lockout-shortened ’13 campaign and, last season, bounced around incessantly (Buffalo, Quebec, Rochester and the Russian national junior team) while trying to find a place to play.
While Grigorenko will probably benefit from more seasoning in the American League, it’s worth noting that he’s now in the final year of his entry-level deal.