Nikita Grebyonkin
Nikita Grebyonkin registered 19 goals and 22 assists for 41 points in 67 games with the Metallurg Magnitogorsk in the KHL.
This season will be his first in North America. Grebyonkin is a 5th-round draft pick of the Leafs from the 2020 NHL draft. He can play both wing positions and is 6'2, 210 Lbs.
The 21-year-old had a good showing during the Leafs preseason, but with this being his first season in North America, Leafs management thought it would be best for Grebyonkin to begin the season in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies.
He can get accustomed to playing on the smaller North American ice and learn to play how the Leafs expect him to. Leafs head coach Craig Berube seemed to enjoy how Grebyonkin played during the preseason. So, he could earn a call-up this season.
As of Wednesday morning, Grebyonkin has one goal and three assists for four points in five games with the Marlies this season. Playing with the Marlies in the AHL will allow Grebyonkin the opportunity to receive more playing time. He is definitely one of the players I look forward to watching live when I'm at a Marlies game this season.
His size and ability could land Grebyonkin a chance to play some playoff hockey with the Leafs this season, but if he doesn't get that opportunity, I think he has a real shot of making it onto the Leafs main roster next season.