What are the Flyers Getting with Nikita Grebenkin?

Nikita Grebenkin may not have been the highlight of the return in the Scott Laughton trade, but he certainly has the potential to be. The Philadelphia Flyers acquired the 6’2″ winger from the Toronto Maple Leafs alongside a 2027 first-round draft pick at the NHL trade deadline.

Grebenkin was a fifth-round pick by the Maple Leafs in the 2022 NHL Draft and is poised to be one of the bigger steals of that draft.

The player drafted out of Russia and once thought to have been a long-term project ended up making his NHL debut earlier this season. Grebenkin has spent the vast majority of the year in the AHL (where he is now as well) but did get seven games with the Maple Leafs earlier in the season.

The Flyers have added to their prospect pool, so let’s get to know the newest Flyers prospect.

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Get To Know Nikita Grebenkin

I did not write this sooner because I wanted to do my due diligence. I had vaguely heard the name prior to the trade, let alone researched the player or watched any film.

After doing research and some film watching, the best word I can use to describe Nikita Grebenkin is energetic. He looks like the Energizer Bunny when he’s skating. He’s quick, gritty, and has a massive personality. Oh, and he’s not afraid to drop the gloves.

When I look at his stats and watch his play, I see a player who will be a perfect third-line winger with the potential to play on the second. I doubt the Flyers traded for him with top-line expectations. However, his playstyle perfectly fits a middle-six role: energetic, physical, not afraid to go to the greasy areas, and with loads of offensive potential.

If it were solely up to his offensive game, he’d probably already be in the NHL. He did not tally a point in the NHL during his seven-game stint. However, he had 21 points (9G, 12A) in 39 games with the Marlies this season and has a goal in one game with the Phantoms.

Getting to some of his traits, Grebenkin has a really solid shot. Typically playing from the left side, Grebnkin has a quick yet powerful shot, a solid release, and is really fast. Again, his offensive game is great.

Grebenkin’s best trait, in my opinion, is his stick skills. He is really good at controlling the puck, especially when using his speed. His stick skills also help him with his net-front spot on the power play. He has great control for redirected shots or just simple tap-ins. Grebenkin could be a monster in front of the net.

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Nikita Grebenkin Scores in his Phantoms Debut

Would you look at that! A net-front player on a power play in the Philadelphia Flyers organization scored a goal!

Nikita Grebenkin displayed his power-play skills during his Flyers organization debut with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL). He finally made his long-awaited debut and did not disappoint.

Even on day one with the Phantoms, Grebenkin found his home in front of the net. The newcomer cashed in with the easy power-play goal–something the Flyers hope will translate to the big club.

Once he arrives with the Flyers, one would think he’ll start on the power play immediately. With his overall combination of size, speed, and stick control, Grebenkin could be a power play stud for the Flyers, who need help on the power play more than anything.

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So, What are the Flyers Getting with Grebenkin

Nikita Grebenkin is still a raw talent. If it was known what he would be, he’d be in the NHL already. Early on, his defensive game has shown flaws. I don’t think the Flyers are looking for him to develop into a complete 200-foot winger. However, I would not put him in a group with Matvei Michkov. With Michkov, he is such an elite offensive player (or will be) that his defense does not matter as much.

With Grebenkin, there is loads of talent, but he will likely never be near the level of potential that Michkov has. Hence, he needs to develop a bit more on the defensive side of things before he can be an NHL player.

To me, the Flyers are getting a middle-six winger who can score, be a playmaker, and not be afraid to get dirty if it means creating a scoring chance. He’ll go to the area where he’s not welcomed, screen the goalie, and use his frame in front of the net to create scoring chances. Looking at Grebenkin, he could be a really solid third-line guy who could be a good second-liner in the right situation.

As for his NHL arrival, Daniel Briere did not close the door on calling him up before the season was over. The Flyers have one call-up remaining. Assuming Jett Luchanko will join the Flyers at the conclusion of Guelph’s season, it would not count towards the Flyers’ remaining recalls, meaning that would leave the door open for Grebnkin.

One thing to keep in mind: Grebenkin has already appeared in seven NHL games this season. He can play up to two more games in the NHL this season before a year is burned off of his entry-level contract. I do not know if the Flyers will be weary of that, but it is certainly worth keeping in the back of your mind.

Will we see Nikita Grebenkin in the NHL this season?

Watch: Nikita Grebenkin Highlights (And an All-Time Quote)

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