Flyers’ General Manager Danny Briere obtained a 21-year-old player in Nikita Grebenkin. Grebenkin is a native of Russia, and he made his Lehigh Valley Phantoms debut this past Sunday.
Grebenkin was all over the ice, and he board battled very well. He managed to pot his first goal in a Phantoms uniform, on the Power Play nonetheless. The big club is struggling with the man advantage, could a recall be in the card shortly?
The Flyers would be wise to recall Grebenkin. Yes, this would be their last recall of the season, however, if an injuries arises they could always use a recall on an emergency basis. Grebenkin adds an element to a horrible Power Play Unit. The Flyers could use his playmaking ability, and fast.
Unfortunately, the orange and black rank 30th in the NHL, once again, with the man advantage. For the past three seasons at least, the orange and black have been bottom feeders in the NHL, with an abysmal Power Play. This year, the Flyers Power Play Percentage is 14.29%, to which only the Anaheim Ducks and New York Islanders have worse Percentages. This isn’t good enough, it’s just not good enough, as the Flyers are 0-22 with their last man advantage opportunities, to include going 0-17 on their last homestand.
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 and 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.
The Flyers targeted Grebenkin for a reason. Grebenkin is part of the solution moving forward, and he should get a recall sooner rather than later.
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Right on Jamey
Let’s get this Flyers Red Army started before it’s too late.
I mentioned to you the other day I wanted to see kuzmenko back, Shabonov signed as well , Grebenkin , and Michkov. Well I forgot to mention drafting Ivan Ryabkin in round one trade up because I believe they are going to draft Keshawn Aitcheson with first pick (#6 most likely) I’m practically begging the Flyers to actually rebuild this team around Michkov.