Sabres prospect Grigorenko reports to AHL after refusing demotion

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Buffalo Sabres prospect Mikhail Grigorenko will play for the Rochester Americans, three months after the 2012 first-round pick briefly refused a demotion to junior hockey.

The 19-year-old Russian began the season in the NHL, but struggled to adapt. He scored two goals in 18 games before being demoted to the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League on Jan. 11.

Grigorenko initially refused to report to Quebec, preferring to develop in Rochester of the American Hockey League. An agreement between the NHL and the Canadian Hockey League does not allow teenagers to play in the AHL.

Grigorenko eventually joined the Remparts, recording 39 points (15 goals, 24 assists) in 23 games and adding one goal and eight assists in five playoff contests. Quebec was knocked out by Rouyn-Noranda in the opening round of the QMJHL playoffs.

The Sabres tried to send Grigorenko to Rochester on a conditioning assignment in November, but the NHL denied the request. With the QMJHL season over, Grigorenko is allowed to play in the AHL.