Abel to Yzerman
Grigorenko Wants a Shot With Datsyuk
by IwoCPO on 10/26/07 at 04:01 AM ET
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The chances of Igor Grigorenko staying in Detroit past November 1st are, in my opinion, zero. Too many factors conspiring against him: he played like garbage in TC and in the pre-season, played like garbage in Grand Rapids, the Wings’ success without him. A2Y Russian correspondent, Green Bay Mike, found another Larin/Grigorenko interview and provides a translation. Larin, as usual, seems intent on seeking out conspiracies and pushing for a Datsyuk/Grigorenko tandem.
Intro: Frankly, I haven’t recognized Grigorenko’s voice at first. I wouldn’t say the voice was depressed, just extremely upset. Our conversation happened about 4 hours before Detroit’s game against Vancouver when Detroit’s final line-up hasn’t been yet determined. Or maybe Grigorenko suspected that he again would not be given a chance?
Igor Larin (IL): Igor, how do you evaluate the situation you are in in Detroit?
Igor Grigorenko (IG): As completely uncertain. At this time I don’t know much else.
IL: What was happening in recent days?
IG: I played 5 games for Grand Rapids in the AHL, and then was called back into Detroit. For two days now I train with the main club. That’s about it.
IL: Which line are you training with lately?
IG: In Detroit all lines are pretty much equal, and hence it’s hard to be to determine the sequential number of my line. Besides, my partners are changing quite often.
IL: Are you at least playing on the same line with Pavel Datsyuk?
IG: No.
IL: Are you surprised?
IG: I do not deal with personnel issues, neither does Datsyuk. But I would really like to play with Pavel.
IL: Do you think that your old buddy Datsyuk could support you in this situation? For example, offer coaches his own version of the line?
IG: Pavel does support me! He cheers me up, tells me that all good things are ahead.
IL: How’s your relationship with the head coach Mike Babcock?
IG: Normal. For deeper connection my English isn’t good enough. But during the training camp Babcock always summoned me into his office. Datsyuk was interpreting. The coach told me that I need to work with my legs more, not rely on the stickwork as much as even a minimal violation could cause a penalty.
IL: Does Babcock trust you?
IG: I don’t know. I hope he does.
IL: If you’d have to judge by the last ice time during the training session, does Babcock see you in the lineup?
IG: It’s hard to say. Most of the time I worked in the “destructive” line.
IL: What can you say about your trop to the AHL?
IG: Nothing good. Although the level of hockey in the AHL is pretty good.
IL: Are they fighting a lot?
IG: There are fights but I wouldn’t say that the hockey is dirty.
IL: Do you regret that last summer you went to the NHL and didn’t stay in the Russian Super League?
IG: No, not at all. I had a chance to try out in the best league in the world, and tried to fulfill it. I am not giving up, and I hope I will soon have my Detroit debut.
IL: What are you going to do if in the near future Detroit won’t give you the chance? Are you going back to the AHL?
IG: No. AHL is definitely not for me. I think that all will be determined within a week. Lately I have been in contact with the Salavat Yulaev’s management, that’s the club with which I have signed the insurance contract.
IL: Whom are you talking with in the Ufa club?
IG: I think it doesn’t matter in this case. The main thing is that “Salavat” is still interested in my services.
IL: Does Detroit know about it?
IG: I have a clause in the contract that I could return to Russia after November 1.
IL: In other words the question should be asked: either Detroit or Ufa?
IG: That’s right!
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