Intriguing Maple Leafs prospect hoping to shock management and make team out of training camp
Photo credit: Metallurg Magnitogorsk
With multiple KHL seasons under his belt already at the age of 21, Maple Leafs prospect Nikita Grebyonkin has set a lofty goal for himself ahead of training camp.
A fifth-round pick of the Leafs in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, Nikita Grebyonkin signed his entry-level contract in April of this year to take the next step in realizing his NHL dream. In his final KHL season with Metallurg Magnitogorsk, the 6'2, 192-pound winger scored 19 goals and finished with 41 points in 67 games, which is absurd production from such a young player playing in that league.
Grebyonkin has been in Toronto training for the past few months and recently sat down with RG.org to shed some light on what he has been up to since arriving in his new home and what his goal is for the season.
"I've been in Toronto for two months now. As soon as I arrived in Canada, I started going to the gym. I didn't skate for three months, and today [August 6], I took the ice for the first time. Preparation is going according to plan," said Grebyonkin.
The skilled prospect isn't aware of the plan surrounding his participation in the Leafs' rookie tournament, but revealed that he was told to prepare for the season and he intends to do everything he can to make the Leafs' opening night roster.
"I live for today, I know that tomorrow is practice and what I'll do, and what happens next-we'll see. I was told that my main task is to prepare for the season, and exhibition games don't play such a decisive role."
With Nick Robertson still unsigned and looking for a trade and the departure of Tyler Bertuzzi, Grebyonkin's ability to play both wings may give him a leg up on other hopefuls that are looking to find a home with the big club this season. Given his professional experience already, his performance at training camp will be something to keep an eye on as he adjusts to North America and the smaller ice surface. However, as far as the pro game is concerned, Grebyonkin can play, and remains an exciting prospect for the Leafs organization.
Source: Elite Prospects
Nikita Grebyonkin player profile
Nikita Grebyonkin player profile
| POLL | ||
AOUT 16 | 1170 ANSWERS Intriguing Maple Leafs prospect hoping to shock management and make team out of training camp Will Nikita Grebyonkin play NHL games this season? | ||
| Yes | 442 | 37.8 % |
| No | 430 | 36.8 % |
| Unsure | 298 | 25.5 % |
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