Get To Know New Flyers Winger Nikita Grebenkin

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.

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 teammate in stride, he excels in transition, which should fit well with the Flyers’ evolving offensive style.

That speed also makes him dangerous in one-on-one situations. Grebenkin has a knack for catching defenders flat-footed, using subtle fakes and quick hands to create separation. It’s an element of flair that’s been missing from the Flyers’ lineup in recent years, and if he can translate it to the NHL, he could add another layer to their offensive attack.

Briere: “A Lot There to Work With”

Of course, no player is without areas to refine, and the Flyers are aware that Grebenkin is still a work in progress. General manager Danny Briere acknowledged as much when discussing the trade:

“He seems very energetic. He’s big-bodied and strong on the puck, can make plays. What we were told is he needs to work within a structure; he needs to learn to work within a structure. But there’s a lot there—the size, the energy, the competitiveness is high up.”

That structure piece will be key. Grebenkin has always been at his best when allowed to play a free-flowing, instinctive game, but the NHL demands discipline and consistency. The Flyers’ coaching staff will be tasked with helping him find the right balance—playing within a system while still allowing his creativity to shine.

A New Chapter in Philadelphia

The Flyers are betting on upside with Grebenkin. He’s not a finished product, but the raw tools—size, skill, speed, and vision—are all there.

With the right development, he has the potential to become a legitimate play-driving forward, something the Flyers have been looking to add as they reshape their roster.

Not to mention, his personality seems like a perfect fit for the famousl “good vibes” culture of the Flyers locker room.

Trading away Laughton and a first-round pick was no small move, but it signals that the Flyers believe in Grebenkin’s ability to make an impact. Now, it’s up to him to take the next step.

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