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Abel to Yzerman

RWC: Grigorenko’s Chance To Come Next Fall

by IwoCPO on 01/23/07 at 09:36 AM ET
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It's been seven years since we first started reading reports out of Russia about a phenom who would soon be turning heads in Hockeytown. Igor Grigorenko played on a Russian top line with Datsyuk and Ilya Kovalchuk at the 2003 Worlds and all indications were that TC the following fall was just a formality. Until a car accident set everything back. According to Matthew Wuest at Redwingscentral.com, Grigorenko's holding steady at "85-90" percent and the Wings feel next fall is the time to finally bring him over.

“We’ve talked to him and his agent, and he knows it’s time for him to get over,” said Red Wings assistant general manager Jim Nill. “We’re going to bring him over and see how he is. He’s an older player who’s played elite hockey for the last seven years. His mindset and our mindset is for him to come over and make the Detroit Red Wings and that’s what it should be.”

According to the report, Grigorenko’s leg has never fully healed…and may not.  But to this point he hasn’t been exposed to state-side orthopedic experts (which is amazing…why not?).  Wing master scout Hakan Andersson said he feels that one more operation could very well return the forward’s pre-accident speed.  But even without it, he still has a chance to become an elite NHL player.

Grigorenko’s game has always been based on power, balance and terrific offensive ability. He is dangerous down low and on the power play, and he works well along the boards. His intensity is unmatched.

Re-united with Datsyuk, or a second-tier replacement for him?

 

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About Abel to Yzerman

Welcome to Abel to Yzerman, a Red Wing blog since 1977.  No other site on the internet has better-researched, fact-laden and better prepared discussions than A2Y.  Re-phrase: we do little research, find facts and stats highly overrated and claim little to no preparation.  There are 19 readers of A2Y. No more, no less. All of them, except maybe one, are juvenile in nature.  Reminding them of that in the comment section will only encourage them to prove that. Your suggestions and critiques are welcome: wphoulihan@gmail.com