BUFFALO – Center Mikhail Grigorenko will be leaving the Sabres on Sunday to play for his native Russia at the upcoming world junior championship.
The 19-year-old, a healthy scratch the last two games and five of the last eight under interim coach Ted Nolan, posted a message to a Facebook account this afternoon that read, “Flying to Russia Sunday with my brother Zadorov!”
That’s the Nikita Zadorov, the 18-year-old defenseman the Sabres recently sent back to junior.
Jay Grossman, Grigorenko’s agent, told the Times Herald the Facebook account belongs to Grigorenko and he’ll be playing for Russia.
The Sabres have been exploring options so Grigorenko can play. A training camp roster Russia released Tuesday didn’t have his name.
Grigorenko will have an excellent World Juniors. He has a lot of talent, & potential. With the bigger rink & players his age he will excel! Glad the Sabres have him. Once he catches up with NHL he will be a very good player.