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5 Toronto Maple Leafs Prospects to keep an eye on this season

The Toronto Maple Leafs have had a couple of decent drafts in recent years. Those drafts have provided them with a well-rounded prospect pool. In this article, I will focus on the Leafs top five prospects aged 23 and under.

By Jeremy Ridgewell

Terry Wyatt/GettyImages
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Nikita Grebenkin

The Toronto Maple Leafs drafted Nikita Grebenkin in the fifth round (135th overall) in the 2022 NHL Draft. He is a 21-year-old left winger who measures 6'2, 192 Lbs. He registered 19 goals and 22 assists for 41 points in 67 games with Magnitogorsk in the KHL last season.
(All stats from eliteprospects.com)

Grebenkin won the KHL's Rookie of the Year award and the Gagarin Cup with Magnitogorsk. He registered three goals and three assists for six points during Magnitogorsk's Gagarin Cup run. He has dramatically climbed up the Leafs prospect rankings.

On April 29th, after his season in the KHL concluded, Grebenkin signed a three-year, entry-level deal with the Leafs. The signing signals the end of his time playing in Russia. He will move to Canada and play in the Leafs system. Although he will be given every opportunity in training camp to make the Leafs roster, he will likely start in the American Hockey League (AHL) playing for the Toronto Marlies.

Grebenkin plays strong off the rush and skates very well for his size, which makes him dangerous with the puck as he skates through the neutral zone. He will often outsmart the opposing defenders with his skating and playmaking abilities. Another thing to like about Grebenkin is his incredible passing. He can find teammates in good spots and create scoring chances.

The Leafs will need to show the young Russian some patience as he adapts to a new country, style of play, and new teammates. Once everything clicks, and he becomes comfortable, he'll be a big part of any success the Marlies have this season.

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