Forward Mikhail Grigorenko, a key return piece in the Avalanche’s 2015 trade that sent Ryan O’Reilly to the Buffalo Sabres, was not given a qualifying offer as a restricted free agent and appears finished with Colorado. He will become an unrestricted free agent Saturday.
Grigorenko, 23, played in 75 games last season, producing 23 points (10 goals). He played in 74 games in 2015-16, his first season with the Avs, amassing 27 points (six goals). The Avs acquired Grigorenko, defenseman Nikita Zadorov, forward prospect J.T. Compher and a second-round draft from Buffalo for O’Reilly and forward Jamie McGinn.