Organizational depth is always a question mark with every team, but it appears the Toronto Maple Leafs may have a prospect who could be ready for the leap into the NHL.
Leafs prospect Nikita Grebyonkin is the 21-year-old winger who was selected in the 2022 entry draft, fifth round, 135th overall. According to eliteprospects.com, it has been said that he has remarkable stick handling ability and can challenge defenseman one-on-one with great foot speed.
With a frame of 6 foot 2 and 192 lbs, he would fit the mold for a secondary scoring winger or even challenge for a top six winger. He's also known for using his size to get possession of the puck.
He has completed his final year with the KHL and played with several organizations which include Mettalurg Mognitogorsk. He played 67 games last year, scored nineteen goals with 22 assists for 41 points and was a + 12 with 17 penalty minutes. It's likely he will make the trip to North America and attend the Maple Leafs training camp to see if he is ready to make the jump.
Likely he will be on the Marlies this year as he will need to become accustomed to North American hockey and play against men at the semi-NHL level.
The Maple Leafs will begin their preseason on September 22nd against the Ottawa Senators and will play six games throughout the Atlantic division which will give him a great chance to get his feet wet and the scouts to see if he can play at this level.
