Feeling that he was ready to move his game to North America, Maple Leafs prospect Nikita Grebyonkin packed up and moved to Canada; and it may have saved his career.
Grebyonkin who signed his entry-level deal earlier this year moved himself over to the Great White North in order to focus on preparing for camp in the hopes he breaks the NHL roster. He put up 28 goals and 39 assists for Khabarovsk Amur and Metallurg Magnitogorsk in 120 games spread throughout four seasons and is coming off a championship win this past season with Metallurg.
Grebyonkin recently spoke to Responsible Gambling (rg.org) and explained his last season in the KHL and the brutality of winning at all costs.
"I wasn't the only one who played in the playoffs while taking painkillers and risking my health. Many of our guys had serious injuries. Everyone was determined to win. Although the pills helped to numb the pain, it wasn't a complete relief.," revealed Grebyonkin. "My shoulder was aching, but the main injury was in my lower body."
This is a dangerous piece of information as painkillers have been notorious in the sporting world for not only leading to addiction, but also many premature deaths; the risks are too high for the minimal payoff and for Grebyonkin it seemed like the last straw.
It seems once the transition over to North America happened, Grebyonkin found the proper treatment and relief needed to properly heal and recover; something almost foreign to his entire hockey career.
"I'm currently in the recovery process. In Toronto, the coaches and medical staff are watching me closely. They give me constant guidance on training, provide nutrition advice, and tell me what to avoid. All I can focus on right now is practicing and getting back in shape," said Grebyonkin before confirming he is now healthy. "The main thing is that everything is fine with my health."
Whether or not he cracks the roster this season out of camp, or if a stint in the Marlies will condition him and bring him up to an NHL calibre player remains to be seen but the hopes are high, and the focus is undeniable.
