Maple Leafs Need to Look at Marlies’ Grebenkin, Minten and Nylander for Scoring Depth – The Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

At the start of the season, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ secondary scoring looked like it would be a big factor as names like Max Domi and Bobby McMann got off to strong starts. Since then, it’s been a different story as what was once a strength has now gone cold and is putting the team in a familiar spot like last season. 

Domi started the season with six assists in six games but has gone pointless in 12 games since. McMann scored against the Washington Capitals, the first time since the third game of the season. Pontus Holmberg hasn’t generated much as he only has two assists. Nicholas Robertson has only one goal in 15 games and has even been scratched as a result. When Steven Lorentz, a fourth liner is more productive than players ahead of him in the lineup, that’s a concern. 

Which is why the Maple Leafs should look to the Toronto Marlies to get their depth scoring back on track as it may take some time to make a big trade and acquire immediate help. Alex Steeves, who leads the Marlies in goals (nine) and points (12), was called up on an emergency basis and suited up for his first game of the season against the Washington Capitals. While he looked strong and could stick with the team, here are three more forwards that could see a call-up with their hot starts to the season. 

Nikita Grebenkin

I have been one of Grebnekin’s biggest fans ever since I started watching clips and plays of his game after he was drafted. There was something there, as he provides a strong power forward element but possesses great hands and playmaking abilities. He showed that again during the prospect showdown and at points during the preseason. After standing out in the KHL and winning the Gagarin Cup, he currently has nine points in his first 11 games in North America. 

When he was given a chance to succeed and crack the roster, you saw glimpses of Grebenkin’s strengths as to what he can do with and without the puck. There were some lapses as he gets used to the North American ice, but the strength, skill and tenacity was evident every time he stepped on the ice. His size mixed with his smooth skating and slick passing plays was on display every chance he got. He’s competitive and doesn’t shy away from the tough areas of the ice. He’s exactly the type of player that would thrive in Berube’s system.

He’s off…