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
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