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Prospect Report: Mikhail Grigorenko
Blog — By PuckCentralHQ on May 18, 2012 4:08 PM
Player Bio:
Player Name: Mikhail Grigorenko
Date of Birth: May 16th,1994
Place of Birth: Khabarovsk,Russia
Height: 6’3 Weight: 200lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: Center
Team: Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
Puck Central Draft Ranking: Number 3
NHL Potential: Number 1 center/All-Star
NHL Comparison: Evgeni Malkin
The Scoop:
For much of the first half of the season Mikhail Grigorenko held the number 1 spot on a lot of scouts rankings. He would eventually settle for second but for an import player playing his first year in a brand new country, number 2 is very impressive. On the note of impressive, Mikhail Grigorenko has a very impressive rookie season with the Quebec Remparts, scoring 40 goals and 85 points in just 59 games. He had an alright World Junior Championship, scoring 2 goals and 5 points in 6 games, on route to capturing a silver medal for his country, Russia. All though he didn’t completely dominate, it was still an impressive showing, especially since he played most of it hurt. he had 10 points in 11 playoff games, which many deemed a “disappointment” but it has recently come out that he’s been suffering from Mono since before the playoffs.
Many scouts consider Grigorenko to be very close to Yakupov in rankings, and consider the two players to be ranked 1(a) and 1(b). However there are other scouts (ie Craig Button) that have Grigorenko ranked much, much lower then that. Like many Russians, scouts question his consistency from game to game and his drive. With that said, he plays for Patrick Roy and Roy demands the most out of his players and has spoke highly of Grigorenko’s work ethic, so perhaps it was the mono that had Grigorenko playing inconsistent at times. Despite these few issues, Grigorenko is still a highly ranked prospect with loads of potential. He’s big and has tons of skill, which is where a lot of the Malkin comparisons come into play. He has a lethal shot, and an elite set of hands to match. Like many great players, his vision on the ice is next to none. He doesn’t play a physical game but when other players start to play physical with him, that’s when he really begins to shine. He plays a solid two-way game, which is why he was a plus 35 this season.
He’s not likely to go first overall anymore, but he’ll definitely get a good look by the Columbus Blue Jackets at number 2 and if he doesn’t go there he’ll surely go 3rd overall to the Montreal Canadians. Even if I’m wrong he’ll most likely be a top 5 pick and will play in the NHL right away. He’s a big, skilled, two-way center, with potential to be a number 1 center very soon. Big, number 1 centers are hard to come by in the NHL so I think any team would be happy to have him. He racked up numerous awards in his first, and likely last QMJHL season, so I think it’s fair to say Mikhail Grigorenko’s future is very bright.
Strong Points:
• Great Shot and Release
• Has Good Vision
• Elite Level Hands
• Accurate Passer
• Plays Better When Being Physically Challenged
• Ability To Play Hurt
• Good Character
• Nice Size
Weak Points:
• Doesn’t Play a Physical Game
• Some Question Work Ethic
• Consistency Issues
Interesting Facts:
• He came to Quebec knowing no english, and can now conduct full interviews without a translator
• He was named QMJHL Rookie of the Year (2011-2012)
• He was named to the QMJHL “All-Rookie” team
• He was named to the QMJHL “First All-Star” Team
• He won the “Mike Bossy” Trophy as the QMJHL top draft prospect
• He was selected first 8th overall in the 2011 KHL Draft
If you’re interested in junior hockey,prospects, or hockey in general give me a follow on twitter at: @PuckCentralHQ
63 Comments
cool
typical russian player with a “questionable work effort”
could not agree more i would take a north american if i was picking high
If you’re picking in the top 5 there’s 1 North American player ranked in the top 5 and thats Murray. and the top ranked North American forward if you don’t include Galchenyuk, is Brendan Gaunce and he’s ranked like 12th.
hah only cause of ovi tho.. malkin and datsyuk are unreal
buffalo doe
sounds like a decent player as long as his work ethic gets straightened out
Couldn’t have said it better. Hope he breaks the stereotypes.
Sounds like a typical Russian
I’m an Oilers fan and I just hope they pick a D-Man to help them make the playoffs!
I’m glad Pavel Datsyuk is not a “typical” russian. Malkin too for that matter. But I guess there’s exceptions to every rule eh?
yea
good size and skill, to bad russians have a bad rap, its hurting the young kids coming in pretty badly
maybe he can be the one to change the image.
russians
stud
beauty
grigy should get the dipsy dangling bucket! hope the best for this kid, he’s got some sick moves!
dirty russians
Kid is gonna light it up wherever he goes!
not bad when they compare you to Geno
awesome!
nice info
filthy player
Fuckin commies
good player
hes a beauty
Unreal, kids younger than me getting drafted
pittt
glad Toronto doesnt get to pick him
not sold on him
sick player
Unreal!
hes gonna be a sick player in a couple years
interesting to read these reports, lots of talk of buffalo wanting to move up if they don’t make another trade and its interesting to read about some of the top guys
filthy player
These damn commies are gonna be taking over the NHL soon
sounds good
seems that all russians have the same questionable
very good player
bringing those talents to buffalo, going to be interesting to see him play against my blue & white leafers
Good luck in buffalo grigs!
Dirty CELLY
steal for buffalo
dirtyyy
unreal player
yess
filthy
filthy
sick
cj
Better not turn into another Semin
good stuff !!!!
nice stuff
great hockey player
awesome
cool
he sucks
he suck
galchenyuck ftw
booooo
nice read
beaut