Get to know the winger of new Nikita Grebenkin flyers

The Philadelphia flyers made waves with their trade on the deadline for sending the Scott Laughton Center to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for 22 -year -old Russian winger Nikita Grebenkin and a first -round choice in the NHL recovery in 2027.

Although this is not the most surprising problem – the name of Laughton had appeared prominently in commercial rumors – it will be interesting to see how Grebenkin integrates into the organization.

A former Suraire took 135th in the general classification of the NHL in 2022, Grebenkin took the long road to become a high -end perspective, spending time in the KHL before moving to North America, where he played seven games with the Maple Leafs before being loaned to their Ahl affiliate, the Toronto Marlies.

At 6 feet 2 inches and 210 pounds, it is the size to manage the NHL version game, but what really stands out is its skills set. He is a dynamic playmaker with great vision, speed and talent to create an offense both on the rush and in restricted spaces. He thrives in individual situations, mixing creativity with an ability to protect the washer from the greatest defenders.

A big body with soft hands

Grebenkin’s size jumps from the page – at 6 feet 2 inches, 210 pounds, it is already built to manage the rigors of the NHL. But unlike some biggest players who use their setting only to create chaos, Grebenkin has a more refined approach.

He uses his body as a shield, keeping the defenders at a distance while scanning the ice for teammates. It is not one to abandon gloves or throw safe blows, but it plays a strong and intelligent hockey, using its frame to prolong games rather than ending them.

What makes it particularly intriguing is its ability to make pressure games. It has large hands in tight areas and can go through the wire in traffic, making it a precious asset on precipitation and in the offensive area. The leaflets prioritize the addition of skills to their group before, and Grebenkin adapts perfectly to this mold.

Speed ​​and creativity in transition

If there is one thing that stands out in Grebenkin’s game, it’s his ability to push the pace. It is a fast skater who can pierce the neutral zone with ease, and he sees the ice at a high level. Whether it is a controlled entry or find a teammate in stride, it excels in transition, which should adapt well to the offensive style of flyers.

This speed also makes it dangerous in individual situations. Grebenkin has a talent to catch the defenders flat, using subtle counterfeits and fast hands to create a separation. It is an element of Flair that has missed the programming of the flyers in recent years, and if it can translate it in the NHL, it could add another layer to their offensive attack.

Briere: “Many things to work” with “

Of course, no player is without areas to refine, and the flyers know that Grebenkin is always a work in progress. Managing Director Danny Briere recognized as much during the discussion of trade:

“It seems very energetic. It is large body and strong on the washer, can make games. We were told that he needs to work in a structure; He needs to learn to work in a structure. But there are a lot there – size, energy, competitiveness are high. »»

This part of structure will be the key. Grebenkin has always been to his best when authorized to play an instinctive game and free flow, but the NHL demands discipline and coherence. Flyers coaches staff will be responsible for helping him find the right balance – playing in a system while allowing his creativity to shine.

A new chapter in Philadelphia

The flyers are on the rise with Grebenkin. It is not a finished product, but raw tools – size, skill, speed and vision – are all there.

With good development, it has the potential to become a legitimate advantage forward, which the flyers have sought to add by reshaping their list.

Without forgetting, his personality seems to be a perfect fit for the famous “good vibes” culture of the flyers changing rooms.

Exchanging Laughton and a first round choice was not a little decision, but that indicates that the flyers believe in Grebenkin’s ability to have an impact. Now it’s up to him to take the next step.

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