Mikhail Grigorenko
Sep 21, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Mikhail Grigorenko (25) waits for a face-off against the Toronto Maple Leafs at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
The other big unknown for Avs fans is Mikhail Grigorenko, who also came over in the Ryan O’Reilly trade.
By now you’ve heard the stories. He was a much-heralded draft pick by the Sabres. He was a force at major juniors. However, he struggled on a struggling Buffalo team, and there were contractual disputes. Nothing on the level of Ryan O’Reilly’s contractual disputes, but Grigorenko did hint that he wanted to sign with the KHL rather than deal with Buffalo any longer.
That was then, this is now — and now he’s on a team that can offer him more support. He’s going to be playing for head coach Patrick Roy again, who helped him achieve success at major juniors. He has only a one-year contract, which means he has to prove himself.
We all want to see him prove himself. He has the potential to score highlight reel goals. He has the potential to be a real offensive force. Obviously we want to see him become that player with the Colorado Avalanche — and 2015-16 is his year to do it.
What about you, Avs Nation? Which players are you Keeping an eye on next season?
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