The Toronto Maple Leafs drafted Nikita Grebyonkin in the 5th round of the 2022 NHL entry draft. Grebyonkin stands at 6 foot 2 inches, 195 pounds, and isn't necessarily known for his physicality in the KHL.
That wasn't the case the other night, though, as he took on Roman Rukavishnikov in a spirited fight. Grebyonkin landed a couple of massive blows, dropping Rukavishnikov to the ice.
HOLY MAMA GREBYONKIN CAN THROW 'EM! 👊 #MMG #LeafsForever Nikita Grebyonkin vs #SPR Roman Rukavishnikov 🥊 #KHL
Leafs Looking For Toughness That Can Play Up and Down the Lineup
One of the things that the Leafs have struggled with over the years is their toughness level, not in the sense of having tough players, with guys like Wayne Simmonds and now Ryan Reaves in the lineup, but in the sense of tough players who might drop the gloves but can play in the lineup consistently.
This would have been a beauty from #LeafsForever Nikita Grebyonkin.
With videos like this of Grebyonkin, it is nice to know that the Leafs could have a prospect in their ranks that is tough enough to drop the gloves at any given moment.