Maple Leafs Recall Fan Favorite and Send Defenseman to the Marlies
The Maple Leafs made a big move to further their offense by recalling Nikita Grebenkin from the AHL and returning Marshall Rifai back in response.
With the Maple Leafs starving for offense, they once again turn to one of their rookies. While Fraser Minten has done well, the other pieces of the youth movement have yet to break out.
But one rookie gets his shot again as Toronto announced that they had recalled Nikita Grebenkin from the Toronto Marlies, and demoted defenseman Marshall RIfai on Thursday morning.
This news was echoed by Lance Hornby of The Sun on X.
We don't know the extent of where Grebenkin is going to play or if he will, but it's a great sign to see the fan favorite back in such a short time.
Nikita Grebenkin's Going To Be Your Favorite Rookie
Originally called up to replace Max Domi who was dealing with a lower-body injury, Grebenkin quickly endeared himself to the Toronto faithful.
Firstly, in his first post-game interview he ended up drawing a raucous response when he mentioned what he learned so far in North America and how the game works here:
Not only that, but Grebenkin is known for being a humble and down to Earth player, even seen just leaving the arena as a regular and chatting with some fans in an unprompted interview.
It's a positive that Toronto has so much trust in Grebenkin and clearly Craig Berube liked what he saw from the short stint the first time around. While he didn't score a point in seven games, but the adjustment to the NHL isn't an easy change.
Drafted in the 5th Round by Toronto in 2022, Grebenkin flew under the radar a bit before exploding onto the scene with 10 points in 13 games for the Marlies, and being part of their success early on in the season.
Grebenkin isn't shy when it comes to setting the tone either, as the stocky and stout forward is known to drop the gloves from time to time and has a relentless engine that lets him throw his 210-pound frame around.
It's presumed Grebenkin will line up on the fourth line, however could find himself alongside fellow youth Fraser Minten and hopefully create some extra chemistry as fans get a sneak peek of a potential future top line combo.
Toronto needed offense and short of making a trade, the team decided their best chance was Grebenkin. Now the Leafs hope it starts paying off.
