Emergence of Leafs Forward Helps Ease the Departure of Fan-Favorite Nikita Grebenkin
When the Maple Leafs traded Nikita Grebenkin, it was getting rid of a young player already beloved by the fans, but perhaps there was a method to their madness.
On NHL Trade Deadline Day, the Maple Leafs pulled off a deal to acquire Scott Laughton as their 3C. It was a great deal that ensured Toronto had the piece they needed as they head toward a hopefully strong playoff push.
But on the way, they needed to trade fan-favorite Nikita Grebenkin in order to get it done, and while the jovial Russian endeared himself to Leafs Nation, he will get a chance to shine with the Flyers.
Perhaps there was a reason the team was keen to part with Grebenkin to get what they wanted, even if he was one of their more NHL-ready prospects and it has to do with a recent free agent signing.
Toronto Has Already Acquired Nikita Grebenkin's Replacement
The team recently signed Borya Valis, a 20-year old forward who offers both offensive and defensive upside and a very intriguing prospect in the system. However, his signing may have the added benefit of replacing Grebenkin while giving Toronto the 3C they needed:
Grebenkin had the added benefit of having prior KHL experience, but the reason he got a chance this season was because of that workmanlike attitude. Valis has that element in his game but also has more offensive upside, which may help explain why they felt comfortable giving up Grebenkin to acquire Laughton.
Toronto should love Valis as much as they do Grebenkin, as he provides not only more offensive upside, but is all-in with helping the team, by any means necessary:
I think I'll do whatever I can to help the team win. Whether it's blocking shots, scoring goals, or even handing out water on the bench-I'll do whatever I can to contribute.
Valis, 20, has 78 points in 62 games for the Prince George Cougars (33G, 45A) and has scored 221 points in 241 games throughout his WHL career.
He's the same height but weighs a bit less, though if he can get his strength up and add some muscle, it may pay off huge in the long run.
Toronto made the unsavory choice to trade Nikita Grebenkin, but it was a necessary evil. They shouldn't fret though, as they knew they had his successor all along.
| POLL | ||
MARS 12 | 405 ANSWERS Emergence of Leafs Forward Helps Ease the Departure of Fan-Favorite Nikita Grebenkin Do you think Borya Valis can replace the player Nikita Grebenkin was? | ||
| Yes | 236 | 58.3 % |
| No | 169 | 41.7 % |
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