Maple Leafs Place Forward on IR, Recall Popular Young Rookie From Marlies
The Maple Leafs placed yet another forward on injured reserve on Saturday and have recalled popular young rookie winger Nikita Grebenkin from the Toronto Marlies.
On Monday, during the Leafs' victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, both Pontus Holmberg and Connor Dewar suffered some bumps and bruises and failed to finish the game.
Holmberg didn't seem any worse for the wear as he played on Wednesday night against Columbus. Dewar, on the other hand, may have a more serious injury as he did not play on Wednesday, nor did he practice on Friday.
Now, Dewar has been ruled out for at least the next two games for the Leafs as the club placed him on injured reserve retroactive to January 20th.
Using the roster spot freed up by placing Dewar on injured reserve, the Leafs have recalled rookie sensation Nikita Grebenkin, who has become very popular among the fans and media in Toronto for his fun-loving personality.
The 21-year-old was first recalled in November when the Leafs dealt with a plethora of forward injuries, and he quickly endeared himself to fans with his entertaining post-game comments and tenacious style of play.
During his first stint with the Leafs, Grebenkin skated in 7 games. While he failed to register a point, he did show glimpses of his skill and underrated physical play.
The 2022 fifth-round pick has 16 points in 29 games for the Marlies and really appears to be adjusting well to the North American game after coming over from the KHL last year.
Whether Grebenkin sees any game action with the Leafs on his call-up is yet to be seen, but with Jacob Quillan making his NHL debut on Saturday night against the Ottawa Senators, Grebenkin's next chance to draw in will be against the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday.
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JANVIER 25 | 1267 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Place Forward on IR, Recall Popular Young Rookie From Marlies What do you think Nikita Grebenkin will turn out to be at the NHL level? | ||
