Nikita Grebenkin is settling in well with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The 21-year-old Russian forward has already won fans and teammates over with his enthusiastic play on the ice.
After making his NHL debut, Grebenkin shared a phrase he picked up as he gets accustomed to the English language.
“They speak me, backcheck, forecheck, and paycheck,” Grebenkin said with a laugh following the team’s 3-0 win against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly mentioned that he got to know Grebenkin over the summer when the young forward came to Toronto to train, just months after signing a three-year entry-level contract with the team.
Was Rielly the one who taught Grebenkin that expression?
“I don’t know who gave that advice, but, you know, whatever works, I guess,” Rielly said on Sunday.
Grebenkin, who started the season in the AHL, will reunite with familiar linemates Fraser Minten and Alex Nylander in the minors when the team hosts the Utah Hockey Club on Sunday. Nylander, who signed a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Leafs on Friday, is set to make his debut with the team.
What did Grebenkin take away from his first NHL game?
“It’s a hard game. It’s a nice team. Five guys go straight, five guys go back, five guys go fight, five guys speak, you know, every speak. And the whole team speak every time and I like it. You don’t sit and only see hockey. You every time speak, speak, speak, let’s go, let’s go, keep going.”
Grebenkin shared other details and explained that he has worn No. 71 since his time in the KHL, as his preferred No. 17 was already taken when he transitioned to professional hockey.
His English has made noticeable progress since arriving in Toronto, aided by a teacher provided by the team and constant encouragement to practice speaking.
“I speak maybe 35 hours. And my English very better. And I play AHL and AHL have I. And Akhtyamov, two Russian guys. And every time English and English and English. It’s, every day you better and better. It’s morning, you know, I don’t feel focused. And hard to me (to speak English).”
