Grebenkin had one shot, four hits, and 11:05 of ice time with the Maple Leafs in his NHL debut.
Nikita Grebenkin had his teammates and the media laughing on Wednesday.
The 21-year-old forward was called up from the Toronto Marlies in the morning of their matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights as Max Domi went on injured reserve.
He made his NHL debut in a 3-0 win over Vegas, debuting on Torotno's third line alongside Fraser Minten and Nick Robertson. Although Grebenkin didn't register a point, he made himself known with creative play and physicality, while getting 11:05 of ice time.
Grebenkin likely found out about the call-up at some point on Tuesday and made sure to roll up to Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday ready for everything that comes with his NHL debut.
"Grebs was so happy all day today. I think he was the first one here this morning and waltzing in all smiling," said Joseph Woll, who stopped all 31 shots for the shutout on Wednesday.
The Russian-born forward isn't fully fluent in English yet, but you can still communicate with him with the type of personality he has.
"I think most of the read on his personality has been from nonverbal cues," Woll added on Wednesday. "But he's, like, one of the most positive — I wish I knew more of what he was saying because he's so positive and so happy all the time. He's a great person to add to the team. Good energy."
Grebenkin first became a fan favorite when he fought Ottawa Senators forward Adam Gaudette during a pre-season game on Sept. 22. After the fight, he skated to the penalty box throwing his hands up in the air to hype the fans.
Ever since, the forward has showcased his offensive skill, physicality, and comedic flair. Grebenkin had 10 points (four goals, six assists) in 13 games with the Marlies before being called up.
"He's lots of fun. He's a fun guy. He loves hockey. He's really competitive," said Fraser Minten, a teammate of Grebenkin's down in the AHL, who's now up with the Maple Leafs too.
"His English just keeps getting better and you learn a little more about him every day and he's lots of fun."
William Nylander had the opportunity to golf alongside Grebenkin when the team went to Muskoka for a bonding trip before the regular season began.
"I've talked a little bit with him. I mean, I got to know him a little bit better than most guys. We played golf in Muskoka and was in his foursome so it was a lot of fun," Nylander chuckled.
With several players on injured reserve, Grebenkin, Minten, and Alex Steeves — who were all on the Marlies together earlier this season — could get more of a look with the Maple Leafs.
Grebenkin, who Toronto selected in the fifth round (135th overall) of the 2022 NHL draft, wants to continue to make a strong impression with the Maple Leafs under head coach Craig Berube.
"Team speak me: Backcheck, forecheck, and paycheck."
