Nikita Grebenkin, the 22-year-old Russian winger (born May 2, 2003, in Serov, Russia), is turning heads at the Philadelphia Flyers’ 2025 training camp and preseason, positioning himself as a legitimate contender for an NHL opening-night roster spot.
Standing at 6’2 and 209 lbs, the left-shooting right winger brings a blend of size, speed, physicality, and skill that fits the Flyers’ gritty, up-tempo style under head coach John Tortorella. Drafted in the fifth round (135th overall) by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2022, Grebenkin signed a three-year entry-level contract (ELC) worth $2.625 million ($875,000 AAV) in April 2024, with his deal running through the 2025-26 season.
Quick Career Snapshot
- Early Development: Grebenkin honed his game in Russia’s junior ranks, including a standout 2021-22 season with Stalnye Lisy (MHL), where he tallied 17 goals and 64 points in 58 games. He made his KHL debut with Metallurg Magnitogorsk in December 2021 but spent most of his time in juniors.
- Trade to Philly: On March 7, 2025, the Flyers acquired Grebenkin and a conditional 2026 first-round pick from Toronto in exchange for veteran center Scott Laughton and two draft picks. He finished the 2024-25 AHL season split between the Marlies and Lehigh Valley Phantoms (12 goals, 28 points in 50 regular-season games), then contributed significantly to the Phantoms’ playoff push.
Why He’s Knocking on the Door Now
As of September 30, 2025—with the regular season just days away—Grebenkin has been one of the standouts in Flyers camp and Pre-Season games.
Grebenkin his winning Puck battles, and he exactly knows where to be on the ice. Tocchet says “He’s a sticky guy” when referring to Grebenkin. The more he produces, the more he will stick.
Here’s what’s fueling the hype:
- Pre-Season Impact: In limited action, Grebenkin has flashed elite compete level and offensive upside. He nearly scored on a power-play chance against the Rangers and had a breakaway in 3-on-3 drills, showcasing his speed and puck-handling. He’s been “impressing for sure and is a “front runner for a spot,” often paired with Matvei Michkov.
- Fit in Philly: He’s drawn comparisons to a young Ryan Poehling in build but stands out with his edge. With the Flyers thin on Wing depth (especially after trading Scott Laughton), it makes him an ideal candidate to fit in with the orange and black.
- Roster Competition: He’s edging out bubble players like Jett Luchanko (seen as unready for full-time NHL duty) and Alex Bump. The Flyers hand has been forced, and they will have to make the decision on the forward shortly.
Potential Outlook
If Grebenkin racks the roster, expect him to be paired with Matvei Michkov, perhaps even Penalty Killing and forechecking. His AHL production (0.56 points per game last season) and physical tools suggest he could stick long-term as an “everyday NHLer.
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