Sergei Petrenko

Sergei Petrenko was a speedy but small left winger out or Russia. Although Russian players were freed by their government to play professional hockey abroad, Sergei wasn't drafted by a National Hockey League team until 1993 at the advanced age of 25. He had the credentials, having previously played with top club team Dynamo Moscow and for the Russian national team in the 1992 Olympics (where he played on a line with Alexei Yashin) and 1993 World Championships. But because of his size and lack of offensive production he wasn't drafted until 168th overall in 1993.

Upon being draft Petrenko was brought to North America. The Sabres were hoping that they had found a hidden gem in Petrenko. It seems every draft or two there is a late round pick, usually an older European, who can step in and play immediately. Although he appeared to make the team after his first training camp in 1993, he played in only 14 games with the Sabres that year, picking up 0 goals and 4 assists. He spent most of the season and the entire 1994-95 season in the American Hockey League with the Rochester Americans.

Petrenko opted to return to Europe beginning in 1995-96, returning to Dynamo Moscow for several seasons. He also played in Switzerland and the Czech Republic.