If you don’t know the name Nikita Grebyonkin, you should probably start to familiarize yourself.
The 20-year-old Russian forward was drafted in the 5th round (135th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft and quickly put his name on the map with an impressive KHL rookie season. He tallied 26 points in 45 games playing mostly against grown men, impressive totals for somebody his age. The 6-foot-2 winger is better known for his speed and playmaking ability than he is for his physicality, but you would never know that by watching the video below.
Watch as Grebyonkin responds to a dirty hit on his teammate with a classic old-time tilt and gets the crowd fired up on his way to the penalty box.
HOLY MAMA GREBYONKIN CAN THROW ‘EM! 👊#MMG #LeafsForever Nikita Grebyonkin vs #SPR Roman Rukavishnikov 🥊 #KHL pic.twitter.com/Ozfh9PbGHC
— Hockey News Hub (@HockeyNewsHub) November 25, 2023
It’s not the first time the Serov native has gotten into it with his opponents. He did almost the exact same thing back in February when he was only 19.
#LeafsForever prospect Nikita Grebyonkin mixes things up with #AkBars Dinar Khafizullin and then tries to get the home crowd going.
They both got double-minors for roughing. #KHL pic.twitter.com/AhrkDVnW0i
— Hockey News Hub (@HockeyNewsHub) February 19, 2023
Grebyonkin is continuing his progression from last season with 15 points in 35 games on the season so far, this time playing for Metallurg Magnitogorsk, who are currently the KHL’s best team. If his play keeps up, I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Leafs offer him an entry-level contract at the end of the season and try to get him over to North America.
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