Grachev's Days In Brampton Over?

About TMR

I've played hockey my entire life and have always been a die hard Rangers fan. Now that I'm done chasing the dream, I play in a few beer leagues but it just isn't the same as the glory days. I started this blog a little over a year ago and it has since evolved into something I really enjoy. Do I one day aspire to be a professional sports writer? Possibly. My dream job is being a general manager of a professional hockey team. My mood is hopelessly attached to whether the Rangers win or lose on a given night. I despise Sidney Crosby, loathe Martin Brodeur, and think Ricky Dipietro uses more hair products than any man should ever use. My name is Ryan McFadden and I am the editor of The Manic Ranger blog. Be sure to comment whether you like what I have to say or not. I can be reached by e-mail at tmrangerblog (at) gmail.com

Written by Ryan McFadden

Monday, 24 August 2009 10:27

According to the blog OHL Prospects - not too familiar w/ it, but overall pretty solid content - the Rangers have informed the Brampton Battalion that 2008 3rd round pick Evgeny Grachev will not be returning to the OHL. It appears that Grachev will either make the big club or spend some time with the 'Pack in theAHL. Since Grachev was drafted out of Russia, he is eligible to play in the AHL despite the fact he's 19 years old. Grachev had a stellar rookie season in which he scored 40 goals and 80 points in 60 regular season games. He also scored 25 points in 19 playoff games for the Battalion while also winning rookie of the year honors. Pretty impressive for a third round pick who has never played hockey in North America.

Grachev will most likely be battling newly acquired Enver Lisin for a roster spot in training camp. Despite his age, Grachev has the size and speed to play the NHL game. It's just a matter of whether or not he's developed enough to excel at that level. My guess is Grachev follows the same road as Artem Anisimov and plays a season in Hartford.

Until I hear anything from a more reliable source however, I'm going to take this as a rumor.

While I'm on the topic of Rangers prospects, Ryan Bourque had a solid introduction into the QMJHL w/ the Quebec Remparts. Bourque had a goal and two assists in his debut.

(h/t BtB Twitter)

Comments (2) Add Comment

It's definitely a rumour
written by Brock Otten, August 24, 2009

Hey there, Brock from OHL Prospects here,

Thanks for reading the blog. As I mentioned over at HF Boards, this one is indeed still a rumour. Typo in the blog, in what was meant to say the Rangers are "rumoured to have told Brampton he won't be back." The Battalion do still have an import spot available though, so anything can happen.

Brampton fans don't expect him back and have all but penciled him out of the line up, considering that it will be a rebuilding season for the Battalion. I'm going to try and dig deeper into this situation as the season gets closer and get something out of someone in the Brampton organization. Likely, they may not even know themselves what the Rangers are thinking, and thus keeping the open spot for an import.

Just wanted to give you some clarification on the situation and sorry for getting your hopes up!

The Manic Ranger
written by R. McFadden, August 24, 2009

Hey Brock - thanks for clarifying. I figured it was a rumor, but it's definitely not unfounded. Everyone who has watched Grachev play last season is convinced he's not going to play with the Battalion next year.