Nikita Grebenkin could become Rick Tocchet 2.0

Boston Bruins v Philadelphia Flyers | Mitchell Leff/GettyImagesWhen the Flyers acquired Nikita Grebenkin last spring for Scott Laughton, we weren't totally sure what we were getting in return. He was 6'2", 220 lbs, and was a fifth-round pick of the Maple Leafs in 2022. He had never really been on anyone's major hockey radar as a junior, put up modest stats in the KHL, and then he arrived in North America.

Playing for the Toronto Marlies in the AHL, people began to take notice of him. In 39 games last season, he scored nine goals with 21 assists. It was also good for a seven-game call-up by the Maple Leafs. He began to be regarded as a top prospect and became a highly desired trade chip as…