On Thursday, the Philadelphia Flyers announced they signed restricted free agent winger Nikita Grebenkin to a two-year contract extension. The deal is worth $2.2 million with a $1.1 million annual average value (AAV). He earned $875,000 last year in the final season of his entry-level contract.
Now 23, Grebenkin won an NHL roster spot out of training camp last year. Grebenkin spent the entire 2025-26 season on the NHL squad with the Flyers.
Grebenkin experienced the fully expected ups and downs in his rookie season. At his best, Grebenkin was effective on the boards — Rick Tocchet often used the word “sticky” to describe the player’s ability to win 50-50 puck battles. He also shows hints of offensive upside.
Overall, the Russian forward dressed in 55 of the 82 games during the regular season. Offensively, he posted 14 points (4g, 10a). Grebenkin primarily skated in the bottom portion of the forward lineup. However, he periodically moved up during a few games.
Unfortunately, Grebenkin’s season ended prematurely. While initially given a 7-to-10 day recovery timeline from a March 21 injury, the issue lingered and caused him to miss the remainder of the regular season and the playoffs. After the season, general manager Daniel Briere stated that the injury didn’t improve as expected. Grebenkin and team doctors sought alternative treatment options.
Thankfully, the player felt much better this summer. By late June, Grebenkin took part in light skills drills with Flyers prospects. His prognosis is strong to compete for an opening night roster spot.
