Leafs Veterans React to Nikita Grebenkin's Entertaining Fight with Adam Gaudette
Photo credit: KHL
Nikita Grebenkin has been a standout at training camp and improved his chances of making the Leafs after last night's performance, which impressed his teammates.
The Leafs' first pre-season game ended in an overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators, but the talk after the game was more about former fifth-round pick Grebenkin and his fight with former Toronto Marlies forward, Adam Gaudette.
William Nylander was pleasantly surprised by the edge that Grebenkin displayed in last night's game -- something he hadn't shown during the first few days of camp.
"I didn't know that he was a fighter, so that was interesting to see and he did a great job," Nylander said. "He for sure got the crowd going, and the team going."
Nylander's comments were echoed by new Leaf Chris Tanev, who also saw action with the Maple Leafs for the first time last night.
"I don't think anyone expected [the fight], but yeah, he did a great job. Obviously, a young guy trying to earn his spot on the team, and I think it doesn't go unnoticed, right?"
Of course, everyone wanted to know the resident tough guy's thoughts on Grebenkin dropping the gloves and Ryan Reaves was thrilled to see that side of the rookie winger, to say the least.
"I just loved that. New heavy(weight) in town, I love to see that," Reaves said with a massive grin. "It's good to see kids get involved like that. It's a full team thing."
While his fight was the talk of his teammates, it also resonated with Craig Berube, who was impressed with Grebenkin after day one of training camp.
"He's a young kid. I think he's showing us a lot in camp here, with his strength, size, ability, and he's trying to impress."
Since being drafted in the 2022 draft, Grebenkin has played in three KHL seasons and that exposure to bigger, stronger players has seemingly helped him transition to the NHL style of play much faster than younger prospects like Easton Cowan.
The 21-year-old Grebenkin played just over 11 minutes on Sunday, registering 1 shot, 4 hits and a fight, and looks to be forcing Brad Treliving's hand to make a trade to open a roster spot for him.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 23 | 791 ANSWERS Leafs Veterans React to Nikita Grebenkin's Entertaining Fight with Adam Gaudette Will Grebenkin make the Leafs out of camp? | ||
| Yes | 207 | 26.2 % |
| No, but he will play games this season | 454 | 57.4 % |
| Not sure yet | 130 | 16.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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