Nikita Grebenkin, a promising young forward, recently made headlines after being traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Philadelphia Flyers. In a candid interview with TSN's Mark Masters on March 26, 2025, Grebenkin reflected on his trade, expressing an understanding of the business side of hockey.
The trade, which took place on March 7, saw Grebenkin and a first-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft head to Philadelphia in exchange for veteran Scott Laughton, along with a fourth-round pick in 2025 and a sixth-round pick in 2027. Grebenkin, who was drafted in the fifth round (135th overall) of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, made a memorable NHL debut on November 20, 2024, quickly becoming a fan favorite for his infectious energy and memorable quotes, such as his "backcheck, forecheck, paycheck" remark.
During the interview, Grebenkin shared insights into his reaction to the trade, stating, "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." His mature outlook on the situation showcases his understanding of the transactional nature of professional sports.
Despite his departure from Toronto, Grebenkin expressed gratitude for his time with the Maple Leafs, saying, "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!" He also mentioned maintaining contact with his former teammates, particularly Max Domi, who played a significant role in his early career.
Since joining the Flyers, Grebenkin has been playing for the AHL's Lehigh Valley Phantoms, where he has already made an impact. In just four games with the Phantoms, he has scored two goals and recorded one assist, showcasing his readiness for the opportunities that lie ahead in Philadelphia.
However, the Phantoms have been struggling with their power play, which has seen a significant dip in performance. With a 17.7 percent conversion rate for the season, their struggles intensified in March, where they managed only five goals on 35 attempts, dropping their rate to 14.29 percent. The team is aiming to turn things around as the playoffs approach.
Phantoms head coach Ian Laperriere noted that Grebenkin's presence could provide a much-needed boost to the struggling power play. In his debut, Grebenkin scored a goal and followed it up with another in his second game, demonstrating his ability to contribute immediately. Laperriere praised Grebenkin's net-front presence, stating, "That goal, great play by [Wilson] there, but if you look back at that goal, there are just the little details in [Grebenkin’s] netfront presence there when he lifted the guy’s stick, just to give himself a little more time. He’s got quick hands, so it was quickly, he just lifted the stick and put it in the back of the net. He’s got that flair to make plays on the power play and we welcome that right now."
Despite a recent shutout against the Syracuse Crunch and a lack of scoring against the Providence Bruins, Grebenkin's contributions have been vital in helping the Phantoms generate offense. His ability to adapt to the AHL and make an impact has been encouraging, particularly as the team seeks to regain its momentum heading into the postseason.
Meanwhile, Scott Laughton, the player acquired by the Maple Leafs in exchange for Grebenkin, has faced challenges since joining Toronto. In nine games, he has yet to register a point, and coach Craig Berube has noted that Laughton is "overthinking things" instead of playing to his strengths. Berube emphasized the importance of Laughton finding his groove, stating, "He’s trying to probably play the game without making mistakes, and he’s overthinking things instead of just playing. He’s got to forget about pleasing and play and do your thing. You’re a good player. That’s why you’re in the National Hockey League and played for a long time."
As the Maple Leafs aim for a strong finish to the season and a potential playoff run, the pressure is on Laughton to find his form and contribute to the team's success. The Leafs are currently in contention for first place in the Atlantic Division, and winning the division would help them avoid a challenging first-round matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
For Grebenkin, the transition to the Flyers represents a fresh start and an opportunity to prove himself at the professional level. His positive attitude, combined with his skills on the ice, has already made an impression on his new team. As he continues to develop and adapt, both the Flyers and Grebenkin will be looking to make a statement as the playoffs approach.
Overall, Nikita Grebenkin's journey from the Maple Leafs to the Flyers highlights the ever-changing landscape of professional hockey, where trades are a common occurrence, and players must navigate the challenges that come with them. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of change.
