BUFFALO – The Sabres recalled center Mikhail Grigorenko from Rochester this afternoon and sent center Tim Schaller and defenseman Chad Ruhwedel down.
Grigorenko’s sixth recall this season is another opportunity for the 20-year-old to prove he belongs in the NHL. So far, the Russian, the No. 12 pick in 2012, has compiled only one goal and two points in 13 outings this season.
The Sabres host the New Jersey Devils tonight at the First Niagara Center.
In his last appearance March 6, Grigorenko started on the second line before getting demoted early in the Sabres’ 3-2 loss in Ottawa. The Sabres sent him down the next day.
Sabres coach Ted Nolan later blasted Grigorenko’s effort, saying, “He didn’t have any energy or urgency in his game whatsoever.”
Meanwhile, Schaller had one assist during his seven-game recall. Ruhwedel had one assist in two outings. Andrej Meszaros will return from a hand injury tonight, so Ruhwedel had to be returned.
The Americans play tonight in Utica.