The Wings have decided to keep top prospect Igor Grigorenko in Russia for another year. The decision was made in light of the likely coming work stoppage/lockout which has a high probability of causing a large part of the season to go unplayed. The Wings think it’s better to have Igor playing in Russia than just sitting around over here waiting for the NHL to start up again. That’s very safe reasoning but it doesn’t make it any less disappointing for Wings fans who already have waited a year for the next Datsyuk/Zetterberg-like prospect. The fact that he has another year remaining on his contract with his team in Russia sure didn’t make the decision any harder for the Wings.

Apparently, he is fully recovered from the terrible car accident he had over a year ago which kept him from coming to the NHL last season (thank goodness the reason is more benign this time around). His agent said “There are no problems health-wise. I saw him two months ago. He’s bigger, strong like a bull.” Considering the guy almost died from complications involving a fat embolism aside from breaking a hip bone and his legs, it’s amazing he’s doing anything, let alone playing hockey at a high level with a very good chance at being a star in the NHL.

His agent thinks it would be better for Igor to develop for another year in Russia rather than come over to North America and play in the AHL for that time. I agree with him, as much as I want that kid to be in the Winged Wheel right now. Good luck, Igor2 (that’s not a typo, that’s my nickname for him). From what I hear, you’ll be well worth the wait.