It appears the nightmare in which Mikhail Grigorenko is living regarding his NHL career just keeps on getting worse. From being promised a roster spot on the Sabres to sitting in the press box to a denied AHL stint and then a successful World Junior tournament and finally being sent back to the QMJHL, the kid just can’t win. When will Grigorenko be able to unpack his bags this season?

Mikhail Grigorenko made it clear he was unhappy with his reassignment back to the Quebec Remparts in the QMJHL, and the 19

Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

year old refused to report. After a brief stand off Grigorenko made his way back to junior but his adventure doesn’t seem to be ending there.

The Quebec Remparts and Mikhail Grigorenko reportedly came to an agreement to transfer the Russian to Finland to finish off this season playing for Tappara in the SM-liiga, but the NHL stepped in and nixed the move.

I’ll show you the original tweet and then a translation of the tweet by two reporters.

Mihail Grigorenko olisi halunnut siirtyä loppukaudeksi Tapparaan, asiasta oltiin jo sovittu, mutta NHL torppasi siirron. #Tappara #liiga — Sasha Huttunen (@kuplassasha) January 16, 2014

Now the translation

So what that was was that Grigorenko had agreed to finish the season in Finland but NHL didn’t let the transfer go through. Funny. — Matias Strozyk (@MaStrozyk) January 16, 2014

This move would have allowed Grigorenko to play for a men’s elite hockey team in Finland’s top hockey league. Which would have been huge and arguably better for Grigorenko’s development than time with the Remparts in the QMJHL. It’s pretty clear that Grigorenko has outgrown the QMJHL scoring at 1.5 points per game pace, but isn’t ready for the NHL and since the AHL isn’t an option a Finish elite league is the only other option.

There has been no explanation into why the NHL said no, but I’m starting to think either the NHL really, really dislikes the Buffalo Sabres or they don’t want to see this kid become successful. Rules are in place to control the average group; However, when there is someone who does not fit, exceptions can be made. Unfortunately, the NHL, has shut down the Sabres every attempt to help Grigorenko develop. There is some debate to who owns Grigorenko’s rights and because he is on loan to the QMJHL he wouldn’t be allowed to transfer overseas.

For now Mikhail Grigorenko will have to stay in the QMJHL, until either the Buffalo Sabres call him up, or the NHL decides to help the kid who’s NHL career has been nothing trouble thus far. I bet the KHL would treat him better.