The Philadelphia Flyers made waves with their Deadline Day trade of sending center Scott Laughton to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for 22-year-old Russian winger Nikita Grebenkin and a first-round pick in the in 2027 NHL Draft.
Laughton to Toronto from Philadelphia for Nikita Grebenkin and a first
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 7, 2025
While not the most surprising deal—Laughton’s name had featured prominently in trade rumors—it will be interesting to see how Grebenkin fits into the organization.
A former overager taken 135th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, Grebenkin has taken the long road to becoming a high-end prospect, spending time in the KHL before making the move to North America, where he played seven games with the Maple Leafs before being loaned out to their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies.
At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, he has the size to handle the grind of NHL play, but what really stands out is his skill set. He’s a dynamic playmaker with great vision, speed, and a knack for creating offense both off the rush and in tight spaces. He thrives in one-on-one situations, blending creativity with an ability to protect the puck against bigger defensemen.
A Big Body with Soft Hands
Grebenkin’s size jumps off the page—at 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, he’s already built to handle the rigors of the NHL. But unlike some bigger players who use their frame purely to create chaos, Grebenkin has a more refined approach.
He uses his body as a shield, keeping defenders at bay while scanning the ice for teammates. He’s not the type to drop the gloves or throw highlight-reel hits, but he plays strong, smart hockey, using his frame to extend plays rather than end them.
What makes him particularly intriguing is his ability to make plays under pressure. He has great hands in tight areas and can thread passes through traffic, making him a valuable asset on the rush and in the offensive zone. The Flyers have prioritized adding skill to their forward group, and Grebenkin fits that mold perfectly.
Speed and Creativity in Transition
If there’s one thing that stands out about Grebenkin’s game, it’s his ability to push the pace. He’s a fast skater who can break through the neutral zone with ease, and he sees the ice at a high level. Whether it’s leading a controlled entry or finding a…