Top Russian NHL prospect opens up about his substance use issues
Photo credit: The Leafs Nation
One of the top prospects in the Toronto Maple Leafs organization, Nikita Grebyonkin, recently shed light on the darker side of playoff hockey in an interview.
Grebyonkin, who won the Gagarin Cup in the KHL last season with Metallurg Magnitogorsk, gained valuable experience during that run. However, it came at a cost.
The 21-year-old forward played through lower-body and shoulder injuries, relying on painkillers to keep helping his team. In his interview, he revealed that many of his teammates were doing the same.
Here's what he shared:
"I wasn't the only one who played in the playoffs while taking painkillers and risking my health. Many of our guys had serious injuries. Everyone was determined to win. Although the pills helped to numb the pain, it wasn't complete relief. My shoulder was aching, but the main injury was in my lower body."
While it's common for professional athletes to use painkillers to continue playing, it's usually kept out of the public eye.
Drafted 135th overall by the Leafs in 2022, Grebyonkin signed his entry-level contract with Toronto this summer and is currently recovering with the Leafs' medical staff. He provided an update on his recovery:
"I'm currently in the recovery process. In Toronto, the coaches and medical staff are watching me closely. They give me constant guidance on training, provide nutrition advice, and tell me what to avoid. All I can focus on right now is practicing and getting back in shape. The main thing is that everything is fine with my health."
Set to play for the Leafs or the Marlies next season, fans are hopeful that Grebyonkin's use of painkillers won't become an ongoing issue. He has a promising future in the NHL, and overcoming this challenge could set him on the path to a great career in North American hockey.
Source: Hockey News Hub
Update on Nikita Grebyonkin
Update on Nikita Grebyonkin
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AOUT 17 | 39 ANSWERS Top Russian NHL prospect opens up about his substance use issues Do you think Nikita Grebyonkin will play with the Toronto Maple Leafs next season? | ||
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