Nikita Grebyonkin signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, according to The Athletic’s Chris Johnston.
Grebyonkin was drafted 135th overall by the Maple Leafs in 2022. The 21-year-old recorded 19 goals and 41 assists with Metallurg Magnitogorsk during the 2023-24 KHL season, while adding three goals and six points in 23 playoff games as his team captured the Gagarin Cup. He’s quickly ascending through the Maple Leafs’ prospect rankings and could potentially compete for a roster spot next fall.
Grebyonkin’s agent, Dan Milstein, announced that his client’s contract begins effective immediately. It is extremely unlikely the Maple Leafs would exercise this option but Grebyonkin is eligible to play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
KHL Gagarin Cup Champion Nikita Grebyonkin agreed to terms with Toronto #LeafsForever on 3 year NHL Entry Level Contract which would start during immediately during the 2023-2024 season. #WeAreGoldStar! pic.twitter.com/1UiiQUrUQ0
— Dan Milstein (@HockeyAgent1) April 29, 2024
Grebyonkin’s playmaking abilities should translate to the NHL and scouts have spoken highly of his puck skills to Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis. If you want to know more about Grebyonkin’s skill set and how it could translate to the NHL, we highly recommend reading Ellis’ scouting report.
Here is part of Ellis’ analysis of Grebyonkin:
Grebyonkin loves having the puck on his stick. He can be creative in 1-on-1 situations, doing his best to deke guys out and create a chance. I still think he’s better as a setup guy, especially when paired with a speedy, skilled shooter. I also personally love how Grebyonkin cycles the puck – he’s able to shrug off shoves from bigger players, keep the play alive around the boards and then rush to the net in an attempt to get something on net.
Toronto’s prospect pool is relatively barren, with previous regimes trading several first-round picks in an attempt to bolster the current group’s chances of winning a Stanley Cup. Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten have been revelations, while Grebyonkin could be joining the Canadian duo among the Maple Leafs’ most coveted prospects. He will almost certainly start next season with the AHL’s Marlies, with every opportunity to rise through the system.
