Grigorenko recalled from Grand Rapids

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Adding further to my previous post, what a shame the whole situation has been. I remember logging onto NHL.com and seeing the headline that Grigorenko was in a car accident and might not even survive. He's done an unbelievable job of making it this far and he should be given all the chances he needs to succeed. It's taken a lot of effort for him to even be here and it would be a shame if he never got the chance. I read a post on Detroit Central saying that he's been playing well for the Griffins and the fact that he hasn't been scoring shouldn't be of too great a concern. He should produce with superior linemates however chances are if he does make the team he’ll be on the 4th line, not exactly the greatest surroundings for him to put points on the board. But whatever happens it’s taken a remarkable effort on his behalf to even get this far and I wish him all the best.

[Lidstromrules16 7]

I am rooting for him, but my expectations are low

[Guest LivingtheDream]

Wow, so we have proven once again that Russians are lazy and greedy! That is unless you are Larinov who is neither or Federov and Datsyukl who are either neither or only one.

Maybe some of these "All Russians are..." guys should join up with the 911 Truthers and get yourself on Bill Maher.

[Sparty13 0]

Go back to Russia

Let the Canadian boys do their thing

That is ridiculous. It has to be so hard to come to a different country not knowing the language enough to order dinner when out with his teammates. No one on the Griffs can speak russian or even come close to communicating with him. Obviously he is going to have a hard month or two adjusting to the language barrier, culture and the game itself. Give this kid a break. Yes he was out of shape but he honestly didn't know what to expect coming to the NHL. These atheletes are in amazing shape compared to any other league in Europe. I'm glad he is up with the Wings so Pav and others can help him out, teach him a good work ethic and how to stay in NHL shape day in and day out. Don't expect him to light it up here. It's going to take at least a few months, if not the whole year to adjust. Pav had tons of trouble his first year and the only reason he as many points as he did was because he was on a line with great great teammates

[Doctor G 0]

All he deserves is respect. I seriously hope he makes his debut sometime soon, and from there who knows what could happen? Good luck Igor.

Yes he deserves the respect of even getting a chance to play at this level. To even to be alive shows the man has a great will and strength. But I believe these injuries are to hard to overcome to play at an elite level. He has shown good hands, but his first step is to slow. Now I believe his top speed is good enough, but getting there takes to long. But I hope I will be proven wrong and he becomes an solid NHL player. The Red Wings are doing the right thing and give this man a chance to prove he belongs here.

I do not blame him wanting to go back home and make a great living for his family. Igor knows better than anyone else that an athlete's playing career is fleeting. Why should he play in the minor league in a foreign land? I also say good luck Igor, may he have a long successful career.

[Chelios57 31]

Go back to Russia

Let the Canadian boys do their thing

Don Cherry, you're a LetsGoWings member?

Very ignorant.

[redwashington2000 42]

To be fair, I think it was only one person (in this thread anyway), they suggested he was all about the money. I think most others simply haven't been impressed with his play, which I think is a perfectly fair assessment so far.

The fact that he is getting called up, basically because he isn't making enough money in GR, is silly (Holland basically said this was the reason). While he will make more money now, he won't be developing very much if he is not playing in games, which is doesn't appear he will be. If he hasn't been able to keep up with the pace of the AHL, how is going to cope with the NHL, which the main difference between the AHL and NHL is, of course, pace of the game.

With that attitude, you'll be disappointed. I'm hoping he develops, but I don't think it will be anytime soon. It will probably be quite awhile before he is an "exciting" player in the NHL, if ever.

If he gets himself in the lineup, it will not be on a line with Datsyuk, that much I can almost guarantee you.

First question ARE YOU THE COACH??? I don't think you can guarantee something you simply don't know.

And where your negativity is coming from

[Echolalia 2,961]

Hes going to choke. If he cant produce in the AHL where players like Ellis can captain a team, he doesn't stand a chance in the nhl. Especially if hes going to get 4 minutes a game on the 4th line

[toby91_ca 620]

First question ARE YOU THE COACH??? I don't think you can guarantee something you simply don't know.

And where your negativity is coming from

That's why I said I can "almost" guarantee you. Since I am not the coach, I can't guarantee it.

There is a difference between negativity and reality. I already stated that I hope Grigs turns out to be a great player at the NHL level, but I have to be honest, at this point, he hasn't even proved his is a great player at the AHL level.

If you ask anyone in the front office with the Wings, they would tell you, under normal circumstances, this guy would not be on the NHL roster at this point.

[Grittzkey 1]

Go to russia. Let Him Go.

[TimeBinder 28]

So they are going to let him languish on the bench and hopefully get into the line up on the 4th line getting sparse minutes. What's the point? Money only? They got to develop his game speed and by calling him up will probably hurt him more than anything. I hope he pulls through and shines, but realistically i don't see that happening anytime soon. Put him through Cheli's workout regime for 2 months - that will get anyone in shape (or kill them). I'm rooting for you Grigs put it together.

[Sparty13 0]

Hes going to choke. If he cant produce in the AHL where players like Ellis can captain a team, he doesn't stand a chance in the nhl. Especially if hes going to get 4 minutes a game on the 4th line

He's played 5 games there, Jesus. Let him adjust.

[Dabura 12,232]

There's never been any solid foundation for the hype that this player has gotten

Let's not get carried away here, folks. I understand a lot of people are disappointed, but to start trashing the guy's whole career because he looks out of place in the early goings of his first stint in the Big League is lame.

[kylee 727]

The reason he was called up is ridiculous, but the kid has talent and it'd be shame to let him get away.

Hopefully he'll prove himself worthy.

http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/20..._from_gran.html

so if he's not NHL ready why is he being called up again?

to get paid?

[toby91_ca 620]

so if he's not NHL ready why is he being called up again?

to get paid?

From what I can tell at this point.....yes.

[96warrior 11]

http://redwingscorner.blogspot.com/

Igor Grigorenko didn't want to be in Grand Rapids any more.

So Grigorenko, who has an out clause in his contract that allows him to return to Russia if he's in the minors for more than three weeks, refused to remain in Grand Rapids any longer and has thus been recalled by the Red Wings. He's in Detroit now, on the team's active roster and will practice with the club Tuesday.

Red Wings management asked Grigorenko to remain in Grand Rapids beyond the three weeks, but he refused and would have returned to Russia instead.

In his three-week, five-game stay in Grand Rapids, Grigorenko tallied zero points and two penalty minutes.

When asked where Grigorenko fits in the lineup plans, coach Mike Babcock answered: "That's a good question. Everything here's on an at-earn basis. We'll see if he has enough pace to fit in."

To make room on the roster, the Red Wings put Johan Franzen (MCL) on injured reserve. Franzen, however, moved closer to being able to return to the lineup, practicing with the Red Wings at City Arena, Monday. Franzen participated in all drills except a four-on-four scrimmage that involved contact.

When Franzen is ready to come off IR, then the Red Wings will have to bump a forward from their roster. The list of players most likely to be cut includes Grigorenko, Aaron Downey and Matt Ellis. Both Ellis and Downey were praised by Babcock for their play on the team's recent four-game western trip.

[auxlepli 17]

http://redwingscorner.blogspot.com/

Igor Grigorenko didn't want to be in Grand Rapids any more.

So Grigorenko, who has an out clause in his contract that allows him to return to Russia if he's in the minors for more than three weeks, refused to remain in Grand Rapids any longer and has thus been recalled by the Red Wings. He's in Detroit now, on the team's active roster and will practice with the club Tuesday.

Red Wings management asked Grigorenko to remain in Grand Rapids beyond the three weeks, but he refused and would have returned to Russia instead.

In his three-week, five-game stay in Grand Rapids, Grigorenko tallied zero points and two penalty minutes.

When asked where Grigorenko fits in the lineup plans, coach Mike Babcock answered: "That's a good question. Everything here's on an at-earn basis. We'll see if he has enough pace to fit in."

To make room on the roster, the Red Wings put Johan Franzen (MCL) on injured reserve. Franzen, however, moved closer to being able to return to the lineup, practicing with the Red Wings at City Arena, Monday. Franzen participated in all drills except a four-on-four scrimmage that involved contact.

When Franzen is ready to come off IR, then the Red Wings will have to bump a forward from their roster. The list of players most likely to be cut includes Grigorenko, Aaron Downey and Matt Ellis. Both Ellis and Downey were praised by Babcock for their play on the team's recent four-game western trip.

The plot thickens. Should be an interesting week at the rink.

[Dabura 12,232]

I think it's secretly every hockey player's dream to have a pro team by the balls like that.

[rick zombo 3,739]

I think it's secretly every hockey player's dream to have a pro team by the balls like that.

Not really. All Detroit have to do is send him down to GR in a few weeks and he bolts to Russia. And they'll never have to worry about him again.

Far from having the Wings by the balls.

[SweWings 45]

Let's not get carried away here, folks. I understand a lot of people are disappointed, but to start trashing the guy's whole career because he looks out of place in the early goings of his first stint in the Big League is lame.

All I said was that his signing with Detroit and the expectations placed on his play has been over-hyped - and it has been. I give him great props for even managing to come back to a level like this after the kind of accident he had. But seriously - where in his career stats (after the accident mind) does he warrant the kind of comparisons and expectations that have been placed on him? (true enough - neither did Datsyuk and look how he's playing now)

I guess I was a bit too negative in my first post and it's not fair against the guy, as you say, to judge him so quickly on this short period of time. And yet considering what most of us expected (unrealistically - our bad) he has been disappointing. I know I was expecting him to come in and play like Datsyuk from day one. But you're right, I'm willing to give him some time to adjust and hopefully he'll be the player we all want him to be. Anything he does from now on is a big bonus for the Wings.

[Guest jaytan]

There is not a single player on this team I would scratch to let Grigs into the lineup.

I think I've figured it out! Grigorenko is the dude with the Wings voodoo dolls! Somebody stop him before it's too late!

[redwashington2000 42]

All I said was that his signing with Detroit and the expectations placed on his play has been over-hyped - and it has been. I give him great props for even managing to come back to a level like this after the kind of accident he had. But seriously - where in his career stats (after the accident mind) does he warrant the kind of comparisons and expectations that have been placed on him? (true enough - neither did Datsyuk and look how he's playing now)

I guess I was a bit too negative in my first post and it's not fair against the guy, as you say, to judge him so quickly on this short period of time. And yet considering what most of us expected (unrealistically - our bad) he has been disappointing. I know I was expecting him to come in and play like Datsyuk from day one. But you're right, I'm willing to give him some time to adjust and hopefully he'll be the player we all want him to be. Anything he does from now on is a big bonus for the Wings.

Very nice of you to mention Datsyuk here as you all remember he was not a star at the begining, I would say he was invisible, then somewhare in midle of the first season he started showing his magic play. So let's hope Grig's will do the same.

[Guest Canadian Wings]

Don Cherry, you're a LetsGoWings member?

Very ignorant.

No, you know what is quite ignorant? That a player who has been playing at an ECHL level thinks because he has an out-clause in his contract, he can wiggle his way to the big club for a pay day. That my friend is ignorant.

[Guest jaytan]

All he deserves is respect. I seriously hope he makes his debut sometime soon, and from there who knows what could happen? Good luck Igor.

Why should we give him respect? He doesn't show any for us.

[96warrior 11]

http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/2007/10/gr...quarter_fr.html

Grigorenko earns no quarter from Holland

Posted by George James Malik October 22, 2007 15:34PM

The Detroit Red Wings weren't impressed with Igor Grigorenko's decision to skip the Wings' summer prospect camp in early July, a.k.a. the "strength and conditioning" camp, as they felt that he would both benefit from some lead time in terms of working toward an NHL level of fitness, understanding on-ice terms in English, and building up some familiarity with the Detroit area.

The Red Wings' brass was doubly unimpressed with the fact that Grigorenko showed up to camp at least ten pounds overweight, unable to understand any English whatsoever, and unable to keep up with the pace of prospect tournament games, never mind exhibition games.

Grigorenko's coming up from Grand Rapids that's plain old ticked off at Grigorenko's continued unwillingness to learn English and his inability to adapt to the pace of North American hockey:

October 22, Detroit News: The practice jersey is in the locker, the nameplate is there. Igor Grigorenko will be with the Red Wings at practice Tuesday morning.

But hold the applause, and you're excused if the level of anticipation isn't very high. Once a highly-touted prospect, Grigorenko, 24, was in a serious car accident in the spring of 2003 and hasn't been the same player since. After a mediocre exhibition season in September, in his first taste of NHL hockey, Grigorenko was sent to Grand Rapids, where he failed to register even one point in five games with the Griffins.

"He's been average," general manager Ken Holland said. "He's still adapting to the game over here."

Normally, Grigorenko wouldn't have been promoted. But he has an option to return to Russia and earn $1 million to play in the Russian Elite League if he isn't on an NHL roster by the end of the October. This will be an opportunity for Grigorenko to show the Wings he's still a capable player.

"He'll be evaluated every day," Holland said. "I don't know what the future holds. We're in the business of winning hockey games. He has to show he can help our team."

The Red Wings have pushed back Johan Franzen's return to the end of the month, which is much closer to the prescribed 4-week recovery period for 2nd-degree MCL sprains, so Grigorenko has two weeks to prove that he's worth keeping over Aaron Downey or Matt Ellis.

October 22, Detroit Free Press: Holland said he expects Franzen back maybe within two weeks). And tomorrow, Igor Grigorenko will re-join the team after three unremarkable weeks in Grand Rapids, during which time he had no points in five games. Given that he showed up at camp out of shape and now hasn't impressed in the American Hockey League, it's inconceivable he'll be able to win a job in Detroit - barring a slew of injuries, anyways.

While Grigorenko has skill he has no speed. Given how well Tomas Kopecky, Matt Ellis and Aaron Downey played over the past week, Grigorenko would have to be brilliant over the next few days to earn a spot in the rotation. It doens't help his motivation that he can opt out of his deal by Nov. 1 and return to his native Russia, where he can earn around $1 million playing in the Russian Super League.

This is an unfortunate situation all around because Grigorenko has more than enough talent, especially in his world-class hands, to make his lack of foot speed all but negligible via give-and-go plays and smart positioning, but he's just not willing to put in the effort at this point.

It's no fault of the Wings' management--they've done all they can. Grigorenko's future lies in his hands.