Though the Toronto Maple Leafs solely had 5 picks and didn’t have a first-round decide within the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, it may very well be thought of successful. Right this moment, Fraser Minten and Nicholas Moldenhauer are amongst Toronto’s prime prospects. On the similar time, Dennis Hildeby was chosen because the staff’s prime goaltending prospect at 122nd total regardless of being an older participant.
Essentially the most sought-after participant proper now’s Nikita Grebenkin, whom Toronto chosen one hundred and thirty fifth. Nevertheless, he earned a whole lot of reward throughout coaching camp. There’s even speak that he would possibly begin the 2024-25 season with the Maple Leafs, but when not, he will probably be an important issue for the staff’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Toronto Marlies.
Who Is Nikita Grebenkin?
The native of Serov, Russi scored 12 targets and recorded 34 factors in 54 video games throughout his first full season with Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk within the MHL, the highest junior league in Russia. His level totals ranked tenth amongst first-year draft-eligible prospects within the MHL that season and sixth out of 9 full-time MHL gamers who have been ultimately chosen.
Grebenkin had a a lot better second season, scoring 17 targets and recording 64 factors in 58 video games. On the time, most NHL-drafted gamers had already moved on to the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) at that time, however Grebenkin made probably the most of his alternative, and the Maple Leafs took an opportunity on him within the fifth spherical. Since NHL groups can maintain on to the rights of Russian prospects longer than, for instance, a Canadian enjoying within the Canadian Hockey League, the Maple Leafs have been relying on him to develop over the long run.
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From a younger age, Grebenkin demonstrated a excessive hockey IQ and strong playmaking talents. As he grew older, he grew to become bodily stronger and discovered to make use of his energy successfully. Grebenkin can also be not afraid of bodily play, which helped him earn enjoying time within the KHL in the course of the 2022-23 season.
He was loaned out to Amur Khabarovsk by Metallurg Magnitogorsk, the place he tallied 26 factors in 45 video games and completed fourth in staff scoring. Amongst his teammates, solely Ivan Nikolishin had a greater point-per-game common (0.63) than Grebenkin’s 0.58.
What Grebenkin Will Convey To the Marlies
Grebenkin enjoys controlling the puck and excels in one-on-one conditions the place he can showcase his creativity by trying to deke opponents and create scoring alternatives. He’s significantly efficient as a playmaker, particularly when paired with a quick, expert shooter. Grebenkin demonstrates robust puck-cycling talents, withstands bodily stress from larger gamers, and maintains possession to create scoring possibilities.
His agility is enhanced by a easy and environment friendly skating approach that’s mechanically robust, though he generally lacks top-end pace in straight traces. He compensates for this through the use of fast evasive strikes, well-coordinated crossovers, and exaggerated lateral steps to keep away from stress within the impartial zone. When he reaches the offensive line, he can use his skating to control the opposing defence’s positioning and alter course rapidly, leaving his opponent behind.
Grebenkin not solely stays unfazed but additionally takes cost, main together with his pure means to drive the sport ahead. His distinctive playmaking expertise permit him to create high-danger scoring alternatives, leading to a number of the highest primary-assist charges amongst draft-eligible junior hockey gamers final season.
Sadly, he’ll miss his top-line centre with the Marlies in the beginning of the season after Minten went down with an damage in a prospect sport in opposition to the Montreal Canadiens over every week in the past. Both Ty Voit or Logan Shaw will enter that spot till Minten returns. Each gamers might help fill out Grebenkin’s sport by matching his pace and creating alternatives for him in entrance of the web or off a breakout rush. Loads of Marlies will profit from his playstyle, and vice versa. The staff ought to have a giant offensive season.
Is Grebenkin a Excellent Match With the Group?
Grebenkin has been with Toronto for the reason that staff’s rookie match in opposition to Montreal. He made his preseason debut with the membership on Sunday evening, lining up with John Tavares and Max Pacioretty and helped ramp up the gang late within the sport with a spirited battle in opposition to former Maple Leafs prospect Adam Gaudette.
There’s nonetheless room for him to develop. His skating can generally be awkward, however working with the Maple Leafs’ improvement employees will assist enhance that. He has additionally proven important enchancment since he was drafted.
Throughout the 2020-21 season, he typically did an excessive amount of within the offensive zone and uncared for different areas of the sport. Grebenkin was aggressive, however this often acquired him into bother. Nevertheless, within the 2022-23 season, he centered on directing his vitality in the direction of dominating play with the puck, and he regarded like a totally completely different participant.
After gaining extra expertise, Grebenkin is a viable long-term choice for Toronto. At 21, he’s nonetheless younger, and he stands out in Toronto’s system as one of many few prospects unafraid to mix offensive aptitude with physicality. Whereas Grebenkin didn’t rating, he made his presence felt in his first preseason sport, and it looks like he’s simply getting began. Nevertheless, he ought to spend a lot of the season with the Marlies. Toronto is a difficult market, and he wants time to adapt to his new setting. Eradicating the speedy stress to carry out within the NHL can solely assist.
