It’s hard not to like Nikita Grebenkin.
On Wednesday, TSN’s Mark Masters sat down for a one-on-one virtual meeting with now-former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nikita Grebenkin. The two discussed various topics, including his initial reaction to being traded from Toronto to Philadelphia at the deadline.
It’s safe to say the 21-year-old showed no hard feelings toward the organization.
“I understand 95% that Leafs traded me, and no surprise to me. Brad Treliving tell me, 'Nikita, you nice guy, but we traded you.’ I speak, 'Brad, no problem. Go, Leafs, Go! It's business.' I don't worry,” Grebenkin told Masters.
The Leafs traded Grebenkin and a first-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft in return for the services of Scott Laughton, the Flyers’ fourth-round pick in 2025 and sixth-round pick in 2027, on March 7.
Grebenkin’s time with the Maple Leafs organization may have been short, but it was eventful. Drafted in the fifth round (135th overall) of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, he quickly developed into a fan favourite.
Most notably, the Russian-born forward went viral for his “backcheck, forecheck, paycheck” comment after his NHL debut on November 20, 2024 – serving as a testament to his contagious energy.
Despite the move, Grebenkin had nothing but appreciation for Toronto and the people who helped him along the way.
“I like Toronto; thank you, Toronto. People, teammates, and general manager Brad, thank you, Brad. Guys really helped me start my career… thank you, Toronto, thank you. Go, Leafs, Go!”
Though he’s now with the Flyers, Grebenkin shared that he still keeps in touch with his former teammates – especially Max Domi.
“Yes, Max Domi. Max Domi tell me. Max helped me in Toronto. Every time he speak to me, I go down (to Marlies), I go up (to Leafs) everytime Max tells me, and I tell Max how are you? Enjoy your day. I like Max, and I like all my full teammates in Toronto Maple Leafs. Every guy helped me little, but helped,” said Grebenkin.
The bond between Grebenkin and Domi was evident after the trade.
When Grebenkin posted a farewell message to Leafs fans on Instagram, he included a picture with Domi, who commented, “Good luck, buddy. Going to miss you.”
The forward has proven himself and his potential through his physicality and ability to produce at the AHL level, saying he’s ready for the opportunity that lies ahead in Philadelphia.
“Right now, I stay in Philadelphia and work and want to help Philadelphia,” Grebenkin said.
Since being acquired by the Flyers, Grebenkin has spent his time playing for the AHL's Lehigh Valley Phantoms. In four games, he has two goals, one assist, and three points.
“My start of season I go AHL, I go up NHL, go down, go up. It’s a different league. The last time I stay in NHL free week… don’t play, don’t go down, long time don’t play it’s hard. Now, right now, I have full focus,” he added.
With the Maple Leafs, Grebenkin played in seven games for the NHL club this season, spending most of his time in the organization with the affiliated Toronto Marlies. In 39 appearances with the Marlies, Grebenkin had nine goals, 12 assists, and 21 points.
-1742520994-q80.webp "What happened to the New York Rangers this season?")
