(Brent Lewis, The Denver Post)
Mikhail Grigorenko had just turned 17 when he left his family behind in Russia and journeyed to Quebec City to play major junior hockey. The path isn't unusual for young Russians hoping to make the NHL, but only two non-North American players are allowed on each roster in the three leagues under the Canadian Hockey League umbrella.
As the second overall choice in the CHL's "import" draft, Grigorenko settled in under the often sharp-edged tutelage of Quebec Remparts coach Patrick Roy during the 2011-12 season and began an indoctrination to the North American game.