Flyers’ Standout Prospect: Nikita Grebenkin
The Philadelphia Flyers might have identified a standout player in winger prospect Nikita Grebenkin as he demonstrates promising skills during the ongoing NHL preseason and training camp. Initially not fully grasping the expectations set by his coach in the KHL, the 22-year-old Grebenkin is now starting to embrace his role as a power forward who provides supporting play.
Transformation Under Coach Tocchet
Reflecting on his transformation, Grebenkin shared how his current coach, Rick Tocchet, has helped him understand the importance of playing an assertive game:
“I go here and Coach Tocc [tells] me, ‘It’s your game, tough game, you’re a big guy, hard-working, it’s good for you. You get points and you score here,’”
he remarked, adding,
“I don’t want to stay a long time behind the net, but now I understand. It’s good for me. It’s my game.”
Recent Performance Highlights
In a recent matchup against the New York Islanders, Grebenkin showcased his abilities by effectively screening star goalie Ilya Sorokin, contributing to a goal scored by Travis Konecny that put the Flyers ahead 2-1. Despite the Flyers eventually succumbing to a tight 4-3 defeat, Grebenkin illustrated his capacity to compete alongside established players like Konecny and Sean Couturier, performing key plays throughout the game.
Tocchet praised Grebenkin’s contributions, emphasizing the importance of players who can recover loose pucks and provide support in the corners:
“He’s a sticky guy. If we can continue to teach him to play that way, he can be a real force out there.”
Roster Decisions and Future Prospects
As the Flyers make their final roster decisions ahead of the regular season, it seems increasingly likely that Grebenkin will secure a spot, especially following recent roster cuts. In the latest game, he recorded three shots on goal in just over 14 minutes of action, despite the Flyers having limited power play opportunities.
Grebenkin’s ability to disrupt play in front of the goalie has already been evident multiple times this preseason, suggesting that he could become an even greater asset when the Flyers are on the power play. Currently, he stands as a strong candidate for a roster position, with others, like Jett Luchanko and Rodrigo Abols, not managing to consistently outshine him.
Team Dynamics and Future Lineup
Additionally, during the game, it was observed that Owen Tippett skated alongside Trevor Zegras and Matvei Michkov, with all three failing to make a significant impact, each finishing with a -2 rating. Given Grebenkin’s prior experience playing alongside them, it’s possible that the Flyers might reconsider this combination if Tippett, Zegras, and Michkov don’t develop better chemistry soon.
As opportunities present themselves, Grebenkin’s continued progress could lead to a pleasant surprise for the Flyers’ top-nine forward lineup.
