When scouts throw around the name Evgeni Malkin when comparing a prospect to a current NHL player you know expectations are high and the bar has been set. Mikhail Grigorenko a prospect for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft is currently playing in the QMJHL for the Quebec Remparts. Grigorenko a natural centre has been playing right wing for most of the season being coached under former NHL goaltender and Hockey Hall of Famer Patrick Roy.
Grigorenko was originally expected to play in the KHL this season for CSKA Moscow. However plans changed quickly when Grigorenko was swayed to come play in Canada and was selected Second Overall in the CHL Import Draft by Quebec.
Grigorenko is flourishing thus far in his first season in North America. He currently boasts 15 goals, 16 assists, for 31 points in just 21 games. Just the start he needed to build on speculation that he is to be a top five pick in this upcoming NHL Entry Draft. Grigorenko projects as a big rangy playmaking centre who has tremendous vision and hockey sense. To go along with a supreme pair of hands. Top line centres with Grigorenko’s ability don’t exactly grow on trees, and NHL scouts fully realize this. Scouts that are likely to have high picks in this upcoming Draft are likely licking their chops to get a shot at a talent like this.
The Draft is still a world away, and there is still much to prove before then. 2012 looks to be a strong crop of prospects, but don’t be surprised if two Russians rise to the top of the hockey world that day. Nail Yakupov who is all but a lock to be the first pick, could be followed or even challenged by his Russian counterpart Mikhail Grigorenko.
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