Dan Milstein Updates on Grigory Denisenko’s North American Path and New Two-Year Deal
Dan Milstein, a well-known player advocate and agent for Grigory Denisenko, reaffirmed that continuing to play in North America remains a clear priority for the young Russian forward. Milstein conveyed that Denisenko and his representatives reached an agreement on a one-sided contract, with Denisenko choosing a two-year term to establish a stable foundation and continue his growth as a professional hockey player. The comments were shared with reporters and reflect a strategic focus on development within the North American hockey system, including the NHL and its affiliated development leagues.
According to Milstein, keeping the trajectory in North America was non-negotiable for Grisha, underscoring the belief that continued exposure to top-tier competition would maximize his development curve. The two-year commitment provides a predictable platform for training, ice time, and competitive opportunities, which are essential as he transitions between leagues and adapts to the higher pace and physicality of North American hockey. This plan aligns with the player’s aim to contribute effectively at the NHL level while leveraging the depth of the development system in place for young talents in the region.
Denisenko recently signed a new two-year contract with the Florida Panthers. During this period, his compensation is set at 1.55 million dollars per season, reflecting the club’s strategic investment in his continued development and potential impact. The organization intends to strike a balance between monetizing his growth on the ice and preserving financial flexibility to craft a roster capable of competing at the highest level in the NHL and within its development ecosystem. The contractual structure underscores the club’s confidence in his long-term path and willingness to support his progression through both the NHL squad and the affiliate pipeline.
In the final season examined, Denisenko appeared in 18 NHL games, recording three assists. Much of that year’s ice time was spent with the Charlotte Checkers in the American Hockey League, where he played 56 games, scored 12 goals, and added 24 assists. The blend of AHL seasoning and select NHL exposure is a common route for promising players aiming to maximize their development timelines in North America. This dual exposure helps sharpen decision-making under pressure, refine finishing touch, and build the endurance required for sustained success at the highest level. The current contract supports a continued pathway that prioritizes steady minutes, quality competition, and incremental responsibility as he climbs toward a regular NHL role.
Looking back, Denisenko’s journey includes time in the Kontinental Hockey League with Yaroslavl Lokomotiv, where he developed into a top prospect and later earned bronze at the 2019 World Junior Championships. Florida selected him 15th overall in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, a pick that signposted the organization’s faith in his potential to influence both the NHL club and the broader North American hockey pipeline. The Panthers’ confidence in his ceiling remains reflected in the multi-year plan that supports his progression across different levels of competition within North America.
In related movements, another Russian forward, Vladislav Namestnikov, recently extended his contract with the Winnipeg Jets. This development highlights the ongoing flow of players between major North American leagues and the Kontinental Hockey League, a dynamic that shapes the depth and versatility of rosters as teams assemble competitive contingents for upcoming seasons. The broader pattern illustrates how teams in North America and Europe continue to exchange talent, experience, and strategic leverage in pursuit of sustained success across leagues and developmental tiers.