This whole Mikhail Grigorenko situtation isn't helping itself. Buffalo just cannot get this kid on the right path. Grigorenko is already working under his 3rd different head coach and is struggling in the NHL.
This is not what the Sabres had in mind when they drafted him. It would have been nice to see Grigorenko put up some decent numbers and show that he is capable of playing in this league, but it hasn't gone that way. We've seen him show his talent in spurts.
He's been thrown on just about every line and has seen very inconsistent ice time. He hasn't lived up to expectations but hasn't been given the best situation either. Grigorenko has had his chances, but the organization hasn't made it ideal.
Luke Adam and Brayden McNabb have been recalled and Grigorenko has been returned to the Sabres.
Now what? He's back on the team and Nolan will have to find a spot to put him in. The blueprint for Grigo isn't being followed.
What the Sabres tried to do would have been the better case, but that clearly didn't work out. The ruling sent him back to Buffalo and now the Sabres have to deal with that.
How can the Sabres get him back on the right path?
For right now, the team isn't going to see much success. When that happens, it's tough to find success out of individual players. If Grigorenko is going to be on the team, I want to see him in the lineup every night, with a good amount of ice time.
No more switching lines or playing five minutes a night. Let Grigorenko build some chemistry with his linemates and let him get comfortable. He's very young and it will take time, but giving him a chance night in and night out can't hurt.
Especially in a season like this, the experience will help him. He may not be ready and it may overwhelm him, but I think it's for the better.
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