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Maple Leafs' Nikita Grebenkin faces possible suspension while making his season debut

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Daniel Lucente
November 21, 2024  (1:43 PM)
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Toronto Maple Leafs Nikita Grebenkin gets tied up with a Vegas Golden Knights player
Photo credit: Bozeman Daily Chronicle

Nikita Grebenkin made his season debut for the Leafs last night against the Vegas Golden Knights, and he could be suspended for a hit he dished out.

Called up for injury insurance after Max Domi landed on IR, Nikita Grebenkin made his highly anticipated NHL debut Wednesday night against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Though he didn't register a point, Grebenkin brought an infectious energy to Toronto's third line, quickly becoming a spark plug.

Showing no hesitation to mix it up with seasoned NHLers, he used his physicality to make his presence felt.

But his aggressive style bordered on over-the-top at times.

One did stand out, as Grebenkin shoved Shea Theodore into the boards, face-first.

It looked dangerous, but no penalty was called, and the rookie escaped further scrutiny, for now.

Will Grebenkin be punished? The NHL Department of Player Safety will no doubt take a look at the play.

Their decisions are always unpredictable, yet with Grebenkin in a Toronto jersey, a suspension seems likely.

Of course, the league took no issue with a vicious hit by Zach Whitecloud to Matthew Knies that knocked the Leafs forward from the game.

There was no penalty called, let alone review, and the NHL's inconsistency became an early storyline on Tuesday.

Despite the mounting injuries, including Matthew Knies' exit, the Leafs found ways to excel.

Rookie Fraser Minten scored his first NHL goal, while William Nylander and Pontus Holmberg added to the offense in a 3-0 victory.

Grebenkin, elated with his debut, credited his teammates for lifting him up.

The 21-year-old charmed fans post-game with his humor.

When asked about the physical toll of his debut, he joked, further endearing himself to the Leafs faithful.

"All the guys tell me 'forecheck, backcheck, paycheck'."

- Nikita Grebenkin


Whether the NHL doles out a punishment remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Grebenkin's debut was a memorable start to what could be a bright career.

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Maple Leafs' Nikita Grebenkin faces possible suspension while making his season debut

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