Today, with the absence of Auston Matthews due to injury or illness, the Toronto Maple Leafs are making moves to reinforce their lineup. Nikita Grebyonkin, a promising young forward, has just been signed by the team in the midst of their first-round series against the Boston Bruins.
The announcement came through Chris Johnston of TSN, confirming Grebyonkin's signing to a three-year entry-level contract with the Leafs. This comes as a surprise to many, reminiscent of the signing of Matthew Knies.
Grebyonkin, aged 20 and a Leafs draft pick in 2022, impressed in the KHL with a remarkable season, garnering attention from Toronto fans. He tallied 41 points, including 19 goals, in 67 games, showcasing his potential on the ice.
As rumors circulate, there's speculation that Grebyonkin could be slotted into the lineup as early as tomorrow's game, potentially replacing either Matthews or Ryan Reaves depending on their health status.
In another development, Matthews' absence from practice today has fueled uncertainty about his availability for the upcoming game, adding to the intrigue surrounding the Leafs' lineup for Game 5 against the Bruins.
