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By Matthew Wuest - www.RedWingsCentral.com May 8, 2007 The wait is finally over. Six years after being drafted, the Detroit Red Wings signed prospect Igor Grigorenko on Tuesday, MLive.com reported. The 5-foot-10, 209-pound right-winger recently completed his fourth season in Russia since recovering from serious injuries suffered in a May, 2003, car accident. He had 14 goals and 13 assists for 27 points in 49 games for his hometown Russian Elite League team, Lada Togliatti. The Red Wings expect the 24-year-old to compete for an NHL roster spot out of training camp next season. He’s strong, stocky and competitive and has terrific offensive skills and instincts. MLive.com reports Grigorenko's two-way contract will pay him $858,000 in the NHL and $70,000 in the minors. He has an escape clause that would allow him to return to Russia if he ends up in the American Hockey League for roughly three weeks at the start of the season. Grigorenko, whose top-end speed hasn’t been the same since he broke his femur and fractured his tibia in two places in the car accident, made roughly $1 million tax free in Russia this past season. He was drafted in the second round (62nd overall) in 2001 and is ranked third in RedWingsCentral.com's most recent prospect ranking, behind goaltender Jimmy Howard and defenseman Jakub Kindl. |
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