Top Russian NHL prospect opens up about his substance use issues
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:
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:
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 HubUpdate on Nikita Grebyonkin
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