Nikita Grebyonkin inked to a 3-year ELC

Nikita Grebyonkin has signed a three-year entry level contract with the #leafs. It takes effect immediately.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) April 29, 2024

As expected, Nikita Grebyonkin has signed with the Leafs after finishing his KHL career on a high note.

Grebyonkin wound up playing in 14:20 in the final game, which was the most ice time he had in the playoff since April 4th. He finished with 3 goals and 3 assists in the 23 playoff games, averaging 14:22 of ice time for the whole playoffs. Four of those points coming in the first round where he was arguably the best all-around player for the team in all situations.

Of note, there is a report that he was injured in his KHL final round and that this explains his star status on very little ice time.

By using the last SPC spot and starting Grebyonkin's contract now, the Leafs are extending the same benefit to him they gave Cade Webber. The effect of this is that he will come up for an extension one year sooner, but it's unlikely that he would be getting a big contract one year earlier. He is 21 now, and will be just 23 when his ELC ends.

He is absolutely eligible to play for the Leafs in the NHL playoffs, as is Webber.

Grebyonkin (who might end up called Grebenkin on this side of the Atlantic) was drafted in 2022 in the fifth round, 135th overall. Even if all he ever does is play well in the AHL, he'll have blasted through the average results for a draft pick at that spot and will forever be an example of a good find later in the draft.

He is 6'2" and shoots left and usually plays right wing, I believe. We'll get Brian to confirm that.

Lately the Leafs don't get scooped by reporters on signings very often. Cade Webber let his own cat out of the bag, so his deal was reported a few days in advance. He had to wait until the playoffs began because the Leafs had no cap space. In Grebyonkin's case, his KHL contract does not technically end until midnight in Moscow on Tuesday night.

KHL rights like that are often observed more in the breach, but the Leafs may want to wait a day or two. We'll find out in time. It's equally possible he'll be sitting in the press box tomorrow night in Boston.

Official: