Ryan Reaves sounds off after Nikita Grebenkin impresses in his first game for the Leafs

After dropping the gloves, Grebenkin came out on top and celebrated enthusiastically, showing off his energy and embracing the physical side of the game against one of the Leafs' biggest rivals.

After the game, Ryan Reaves and his teammates spoke about the young Russian forward and the spark he was able to provide for his team.

Grebenkin is competing for a spot in Toronto's lineup alongside other rookies like Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten. A fifth-round pick from the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, Grebenkin is set to begin his first season in North America, either in the NHL or AHL.

Known for his physical, two-way style, Grebenkin thrived in the KHL using his toughness against older players. As a right winger, he's vying for a bottom-six role, where Toronto could use more depth. Last season, he scored 19 goals and had 41 points in 67 games for KHL champions Metallurg, adding 6 points in 23 playoff games.