It's not often a team can pick 12th and find a player who can step into the NHL right away. The Sabres may have accomplished the feat.
Russian center Mikhail Grigorenko, ranked third by NHL Central Scouting, slipped all the way to the Sabres.
The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder put up impressive numbers with Quebec of the Ontario Hockey League. Grigorenko recorded 40 goals and 85 points in 59 games, cementing his status as one of the top players in the draft.
Questions persisted, however, about whether the 18-year-old will remain in North America or return to Russia and play in the Kontinental Hockey League.
"I was happy it was the Buffalo Sabres," Grigorenko said. "I like this team."
---John Vogl
Mikhail Grigorenko
