Grigorenko 'great out there' in debut Russian records assist on skilled line with Mursak, McGrath ... By Sarah Lindenau - www.RedWingsCentral.com September 8, 2007 Igor Grigorenko began his quest for a roster spot on Friday. The 5-foot-10, 209-pound winger made his long-awaited “debut” with the Detroit Red Wings at the annual NHL prospects tournament in Traverse City, Mich., and notched an assist on a skilled line with Jan Mursak and Evan McGrath in a 3-2 loss to the Atlanta Thrashers. His skill and hockey sense was evident. Grigorenko, 24, has long been a top prospect of the Wings, but saw his career derailed in 2003 when he was in a serious car accident. “He was great out there,” McGrath said. “He can move the puck and he gave me a lot of open chances. He’s smart out there and he and Jan Mursak are two of the best European players I have ever played with.” Added Mursak, who was a standout himself: “It is hard to tell how good (Grigorenko) is after only one game. But I liked playing with him and (McGrath). I think we will better next game.” RedWingsCentral.com ranked Grigorenko third in last season’s final prospect ranking behind goalie Jimmy Howard and blueliner Jakub Kindl. — The Red Wings played a strong first half Friday to take a 2-1 lead, but lacked discipline in the third. That gave the Thrashers the momentum they needed, as Bryan Little scored twice in the final 10 minutes. “It’s definitely frustrating,” said McGrath, a second-year pro who had an assist, three shots on goal and took three minor penalties. “You don’t want to lose any games even though it’s just a prospects tournament. Hopefully we bounce right back.” — The much-maligned McGrath had a strong opening game and showed signs of finding his confidence after a difficult rookie campaign in the American Hockey League with the Grand Rapids Griffins. McGrath had 14 points in 59 games with Grand Rapids and added another 15 points in nine games with the East Coast Hockey League’s Toledo Storm. “I feel really good and I had a chance to recharge the battery this summer,” he said. “My confidence is there. It’s back and I feel pretty good.” McGrath, a 6-foot-1, 192-pound pivot known for his skill and playmaking ability, said Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock gave him some positive reinforcement after watching him in Traverse City. “He told me I was skating really well,” McGrath said. “It feels good coming from the coach, but it’s only practice. You have to carry that into games and camp, so hopefully I can do that and keep impressing him.” — Grigorenko wasn’t the only highly-touted prospect making his debut with the Wings on Friday. Another was Johan Ryno, who signed a three-year entry-level contract this summer and is vying for an AHL job. “Where I play depends on how I play this week,” the 21-year-old said. “I am definitely going to stay over (in North America) though.” The 6-foot-5, 209-pound winger spent much of the off-season working to improve his game and get ready for training camp. “I have been working on my speed,” he said. “It feels better than last year.” Ryno knows the Red Wings are hoping he learns to use his impressive frame and wants to add a more physical element to his game. “I am working on that,” Ryno said. “It’s hard to change your game. I haven’t played that way when I played in Sweden.” Ryno had a strong game Friday, getting two breakaway chances off the hard work of linemate Darren Helm. He couldn’t convert. Ryno is ninth in RedWingsCentral.com’s prospect ranking. — None of the free-agent tryouts had a noticeable impact, though Yves Bastien from the Ontario Hockey League’s Peterborough Petes showed off blazing speed. The 5-foot-10, 165-pound winger suffered a mild rib injury that saw him miss part of the second half of the game. Defenseman Cleve Kinley, under contract with Grand Rapids, scored Detroit’s second goal at 15:19 of the second period. Free-agent goaltender Dominic Vicari had a strong effort in net, stopping 29 of 32 shots and keeping the Red Wings in the game. — The Red Wings gave assistant captain’s letters to McGrath, Helm and defenseman Jonathan Ericsson. There was no captain. Ericsson scored Detroit’s opening goal, an unassisted tally with 52 seconds remaining in the first period. The 6-foot-5, 218-pounder, entering his second pro season, was the best player on the ice for the Wings. — Defenseman Victor Bartley and forward John Kurtz, both free agents, sat out as healthy scratches on Friday. RELATED LINKS: Plus-Minus | Boxscore | Photos | Standings Sarah Lindenau is a contributor to RedWingsCentral.com.