The Case For Mikhail Grigorenko

As the 2017 NHL Trade Deadline inches ever nearer, teams are either preparing to buy or preparing to sell.

Peter Chiarelli and the Oilers will find themselves apart of this year’s group of deadline buyers, as they currently sit tied at 74pts with the Anaheim Ducks for sole possession of 2nd in the Pacific Division. While the team has performed above and beyond expectations this year, there is plenty of room for improvement on the current roster. Peter Chiarelli also said that the team’s performance has earned them the chance to show what they got down the stretch (That interview can be seen in its entirety here).

Despite the efforts of the Oilers GM in trying to stoke the rampant rumours that come with this year’s silly season, that has not stopped restless fans like myself from speculating.

Enter Mikhail Grigorenko

Among the most urgent needs that exist on the Edmonton Oilers roster is that of a third line center. With Leon Draisaitl seeing more and more time on the wing with Connor McDavid, the Oilers are becoming rather thin down the middle. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will man the second line but, the third line presents an issue as the coaching staff is not ready to hand, rookie, Drake Caggiula the third line duties just yet. This is where having a guy like Mikhail Grigorenko could help the Oilers in a significant way.

Grigorenko was first acquired by the Buffalo Sabres with the 12th pick of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, where he was touted as being one of the few pure offensive players in his draft class. Since then he has seen time on both the Sabres and Avalanche, being involved in the Ryan O’Reilly trade during the summer of 2015. The man they call Grigs has not been that offensive threat described heading into his draft year, only totaling 59pts in 198 NHL games played, but, he could provide to be a useful depth forward as the Oilers enter the stretch.

He has spent the majority of his time this season between Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, about 18.86% according to LeftWingLock.com. Although he has been put in a situation where he should succeed, as Mackinnon and Rantanen are very talented players, I believe this is a classic case of trying to make a player do too much. The Colorado Avalanche are not exactly a talented team this year, having already locked up 30th place with two months to go, so you have to think that Grigorenko has been one of the players being used in a role they aren’t quite ready for just yet.

If the Oilers were to get Grigorenko he could help solidify the bottom 6. At first glance, he would be playing alongside two of Drake Caggiula, Zack Kassian, Benoit Pouliot, and Anton Slepyshev. Sure, he won’t be playing alongside elite talent like he currently is in Colorado but he will be used in a lesser role, which could help him become more effective. Grigs also allows the Oilers to have some flexibility, as he can also play on the wing if need be.

The Edmonton Oilers have been incredibly poor in the faceoff circle this year. Ranking dead last in the league at a lowly 47.1%, Grigorenko would work towards improving that number. His big frame, 6’3 209lbs, has allowed him to acquire a positive 55.6% at the dot. This number would be the best of the Oilers current centerman, eclipsing that of Mark Letestu’s team-leading mark of 51.5%. While Letestu has proven to be a decent powerplay option and faceoff specialist, I don’t think I’m alone when I say I’d rather have a guy like Grigorenko there instead.

As mentioned in the paragraph above, Mikhail Grigorenko stands tall at 6’3 209lbs. This size would be a welcome addition to Peter Chiarelli’s Edmonton Oilers, bringing a mix of size and skill.

If things work out between him and the Oilers, then the team could easily fit him on the protection list.

Yea..But At What Cost?

While the above information may be all good and sweet, there is still the matter of actually acquiring Grigorenko at a reasonable price.

The market this year is going to be a weird one. We just recently saw Ron Hainsey, a 35-year-old defender, go for a 2nd rd. pick and a prospect. Part of this is due to the fact that this year’s draft is considered to be weaker than usual, so picks aren’t as valuable as they would usually be.

In terms of what the asking price for Grigorenko could be…well I’d say it’d take a B-grade prospect and a mid-to-late round draft pick. The Avalanche seem to be clutching onto young defenceman of late, so let’s say the two teams work out a deal that would send over a guy like David Musil and a 4th round pick to Colorado in exchange for Mikhail Grigorenko.

Eh…I suck at making hypothetical trade proposals, so take that as you will. It is definitely skewered in favour of the Oilers, as I didn’t want the team to go crazy for a guy who is rather unproven. The market is also really weird this year, and its hard to gauge the value of these type of assets.

Lastly…

Either way, the acquisition of Mikhail Grigorenko would be a risk, as he does have some defensive pitfalls, but if the opportunity of reasonable deal surfaces, then I think Peter Chiarelli should seriously pursue it.

Just to get you guys thinking, here’s the roster with Grigorenko included:

Patrick Maroon – Connor McDavid – Leon Draisaitl

Milan Lucic – Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Jordan Eberle

Benoit Pouliot – Mikhail Grigorenko – Anton Slepyshev

Jujhar Khaira – Mark Letestu – Zack Kassian

Extras: Ilro Pakarinen, Matt Hendricks

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