Grigorenko impresses in Sabres camp

BUFFALO, NY (WIVB) - It appears the question with Sabres first-round pick Mikhail Grigorenko is not if he will be great in the NHL but when. The 18-year-old center has impressed his potential Sabres teammates after just three days of training camp.

"The first time I touched the puck with him, you could see what this kid was all about," explained Sabres forward Steve Ott. "First off his size and skill level breeds that potential to be a really big deal in this league."

The 2012 12th overall pick of the NHL Draft and  Russian native stands tall at 6'3". While he is still a teenager, he's a hockey prodigy that may be ready to play in the world's most competitive hockey league.

"I think its too early to say," said coach Lindy Ruff. "He had a good scrimmage last night and obviously he had a good practice. You like his hands so far. His compete inside the practice drills has been good. His compete last night was good. So there are a lot of good things."

If Grigorenko does not make the roster, he will return to juniors and continue to develop. According to the CBA, Lindy Ruff can play the up-and-coming player in five games before he is forced to decide whether or not to send  Grigorenko back to juniors or burn a year of his entry-level contract.