Nikita Grebenkin scores in his Phantoms Debut, as he shows promise for the Power Play in the future with the big club

Flyers’ General Manager Danny Briere wheeled and dealt on trade deadline day. He was able to obtain a 21-year-old player in Nikita Grebenkin. Grebenkin is a native of Russia, and he made his Lehigh Valley Phantoms debut yesterday.

Grebenkin was all over the ice, and he board battled very well. He potted his first goal in a Phantoms uniform, on Power Play nonetheless. The big Club is struggling with the main advantage, could a recall be in the card shortly? I wouldn’t put it past them, as the Flyers have one recall left for the last 14 games of the season.

#29 Nikita Grebenkin played his butt off today for the Phantoms, and his debut couldn't have gone any better.

He scored a Power Play goal in the 5-3 loss, and it was impressive. Impressive since he hasn't played hockey in well over a week.

Way to stay conditioned Grebenkin

— Jamey Baskow (@JameyBaskow) March 16, 2025

Congrats to Nikita Grebenkin for scoring his first goal with the Phantoms

It happened to be a Power Play goal.

Grebenkin is playing in his first game with the organization, as he finally got his Visa situation worked out

Recall him now Flyers for the PP#Flyers

— Jamey Baskow (@JameyBaskow) March 16, 2025

A young 21-year-old in Grebenkin completed his 2023-24 KHL regular season with a career high 19 goals and 41 points with Metallurg Magnitogorsk. That placed him on the map, to which he played with the Toronto Marlies for the most part this season, while netting nine goals and 12 assists (21 Points) in 39 games played. Grebenkin also played with the Maple Leafs, but unfortunately never registered his first point in the NHL in seven games played.

Grebenkin stands at 6’2, while weighing 192-pounds. He’s a Left Winger that can play the right side too. Grebenkin is a strong playmaker, that sees the ice well. He is good in transition, with finding his teammates on the rush. Grebenkin isn’t the fastest skater, but it’s not bad either. He maintains a good net front presence, and really shines on that area. He loves creating mayhem in front of the net, and would fit in well on Matvei Michkov’s line.

Another area of Grebenkin’s game that is strong is puck possession. He loves having the puck. Grebenkin is creative amd possesses great offensive instincts. Again, he would fit in well with Michkov as his linemate. Michkov would benefit from his skill, and this duo could really wreak havoc in the NHL. Grebenkin board battles well, and cycles the puck well. I’m really surprised the Leafs gave up on him.

“He was definitely a target for us,” Flyers’ General Manager Danny Briere says. “I don’t know how soon he’s going to play (In the NHL), but we see him as a future Flyer.”

“He was definitely a target for us,” – Flyers’ General Manager Danny Briere

Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store

Cool Matvei Michkov merchandise

The Flyers targeted Grebenkin for a reason. As Briere states above, Grebenkin is part of the solution moving forward. One should also know he’s friends with Matvei Michkov.

It appears the Flyers/Phantoms are getting a good one in Grebenkin.