Grigorenko makes the grade
Six days of training camp was all the Sabres had to decide their opening roster, and the initial 23-man group will include first-round draft pick Mikhail Grigorenko.
Darcy Regier made the announcement Friday after practice. All NHL teams had until 5 p.m. Friday to trim their rosters.
Coming off a strong performance at the World Junior championships, Grigorenko impressed throughout the shortened camp. Just 18 years old, Grigorenko can play in five games before his entry level contract kicks in and the Sabres have to decide whether to keep him in the pros or send him back to juniors. Lindy Ruff wouldn't say if he'll use Grigorenko in Sunday's opener against the Flyers.
In other roster moves, Regier announced Nathan Gerbe and Cody McCormick will start the year on injured reserve, while Adam Pardy, Nick Tarnasky and Kevin Porter all cleared waivers and were assigned to Rochester.