from Mike Chambers of the Denver Post,

Being the only Russian on teams dominated by Canadians wasn't necessarily a problem, but beginning next season, Varlamov will feel more at home with new additions Mikhail Grigorenko from Khabarovsk, Russia, and Nikita Zadorov, from Moscow.

Grigorenko, a 6-foot-3 forward who goes by Grigo, and 6-5 defenseman Zadorov, or Big Z, were the Avs' main acquisitions in the June 26 draft-night trade with Buffalo that sent Ryan O'Reilly and Jamie McGinn to the Sabres. The two young Russians — both former first-round draft picks by the Sabres — felt fortunate to play together in Buffalo and even more pleased to be packaged to Denver and join Varlamov, a superstar in his homeland.

"It was great when I saw the trade, and it got even better when I knew it was with Nikita," said Grigorenko, who speaks fluent English. "It's great being able to go somewhere with one of your best friends. I'm really excited about that. We're really good friends. He's a good guy, and we've known each other for a while.

"And as for Varlamov, we're both excited to play with him. He's a special goalie."

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