Where is the relationship between the Buffalo Sabres and Mikhail Grigorenko at? The first three years with the organization the relationship seemed strained, almost forced.
The Sabres drafted Mikhail Grigorenko 12th overall in the 2012 draft. Yes – he is a first round draft pick, taken at a time when the Buffalo Sabres were not very deep at the center position, now three years later, the exact opposite is true, and Mikhail Grigorenko finds himself thrust down the depth chart, and seemingly on the outskirts of the Buffalo Sabres plan for the future.
Heading into next season, the Buffalo Sabres will have Sam Reinhart and Jack Eichel, seemingly ready to make the NHL jump. Eichel will most likely be center number one, and if Reinhart is ready for the NHL, will most likely make the jump to the number two or number three center.
Drafted in the same class as Grigorenko but two positions lower, Zemgus Girgensons has emerged as not only a fan favorite (in the 716 and in his home country of Latvia), but as a dominant center in the Buffalo Sabres organization. He will most likely be the second or third overall center.
That leaves Mikhail Grigorenko and Johan Larsson battling for the final center spot. Larsson has in my opinion, played better as of late for the team, and will make the blue and gold over Grigorenko.