Archives for 2012

'"I am very glad that I have chosen the Buffalo Sabres. Thanks to all the people who allowed this to happen," his Twitter account after the draft ceremonies announced Girgenson.' … [Read more...] about Latvian hockey talent Girgenson NHL 1st round draft by the Buffalo Sabres selected 14.numuru

'The addition of Grigorenko is the highlight of the Sabres’ night. The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder is ready to jump to the NHL at age 18. He dominated for Quebec of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, recording 40 goals and 85 points in 59 games. NHL Central Scouting had him ranked as the third-best player in the draft.' … [Read more...] about Sabres take Russian center Grigorenko at 12 spot

'Pegged by many as a top-5 pick much of the season, the enigmatic Russian who speaks excellent English and became a junior star in French-speaking Canada preferred to look at his situation in the best possible light Friday night. He was No. 12 overall in the NHL Draft but was the top choice of the Buffalo Sabres, a team in need of a big upgrade at center.' … [Read more...] about Impressive Grigorenko falls to Sabres

'“The fans of Buffalo will love this guy,” Kevin Devine, the Sabres’ director of amateur scouting, said in Consol Energy Center. “He just will not quit. We talked to his coach, and his coach said he’s got the leadership qualities of Jonathan Toews, Mark Messier.”' … [Read more...] about Girgensons brings intensity

'There is a chance Grigorenko (6-foot-3, 200 pounds) could make a bid for an NHL roster spot in training camp but Girgensons (6-1, 201) will still need development time somewhere, either in the AHL, juniors or college.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres grab 2 centers in first round of draft

'“It’s a good night,” Sabres general manager Darcy Regier said. “The center position is a very important position. … To be able to acquire two centers – two different-type centers – is good.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres grab two European centers in first round

'Girgensons supplanted Landon Wilson as the highest selected player in Fighting Saints history.' … [Read more...] about Girgensons, Jankowski and Matheson all taken in 1st round of NHL Draft

'So the question becomes whether Girgensons will attend UVM as a freshman or if Buffalo wants and convinces him to sign, possibly to play in the American Hockey League next year.' … [Read more...] about Sneddon confident Girgensons will be a Catamount

''"I'm sure would have liked Grigo out before the 12th, but he finds himself in an excellent organization, where he can enjoy a very good coaching and where their new owner has the team at heart. I am very happy for him."' … [Read more...] about ”I am very happy for him”

'Since January, the great center of 6 ft. 3 inches has seen his star fade from week to week. Recruiters saw him again as a candidate for the top 10, while others predicted his selection as late as the 20th position.' … [Read more...] about Grigorenko in Buffalo

'''It certainly was a focus of ours to try and cover off the center position in this draft,'' Regier said. ''In Grigorenko's case, his skill level and play-making ability is exceptional. In Girgensons' case, he's a very good playmaker and has a physical component to his game. So I think they complement each other.''' … [Read more...] about Sabres stock up on centers in NHL draft

'"I have a few months to work, and I'll improve my weaknesses. I think I'll be ready to play in the NHL next year."' … [Read more...] about Sabres Select Mikhail Grigorenko 12th Overall

'Girgensons scored 19 goals and 44 points for the Fighting Saints last season. At 6'2", 198 lb., the Sabres may have found a big center they've been looking for, after drafting the skilled Mikhail Grigorenko.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Trade Up, Select Zemgus Girgensons 14th overall

'I really feel Buffalo showed up in Pittsburgh targeting these two players. They figured out what they had to do to get them and they did it.' … [Read more...] about Sabres splash feels good

'Think about this: the Sabres depth chart at center could host Grigorenko, Cody Hodgson and Tyler Ennis anywhere among the top three for the blue and gold. Those are three playmaking centers that bring different things to the table, and that does not even include Derek Roy or Luke Adam in the mix either.' … [Read more...] about Sabres hit the right chords in the first round