Red Wings Sign Prospect Grigorenko

The Detroit Red Wings announced on Wednesday that they have signed former top prospect Igor Grigorenko to a one-year entry level contract.

Grigorenko, drafted by Detroit in 2002, had been projected to join the Detroit lineup for the 2003-04 season before a near-fatal car accident in his native Russia put his hockey career on hold.

“He was a real top prospect for us a number of years ago but unfortunately had that accident,” Detroit general manager Ken Holland said. “He’s had a couple of years where he’s been able to play and get healthy. We feel it’s time to come over and see where he’s at.”

Grigorenko signed a two-way contract worth $858,800 at the NHL level. If he is assigned to Detroit’s AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids out of training camp, he will make about $70,000 and will have the option of returning to Russia after three weeks with the Griffins.