Toronto Maple Leafs Fan-Favorite Rookie Sent Back Down to the AHL

Nikita Grebenkin is not the most offensively gifted player, but he approaches the game with a ton of grit and it has made him beloved by both the fans and head coach Craig Berube.

The young forward has played in seven games for the Maple Leafs this season although he has yet to register a point.

However, that has never really been his game. Instead, he was given playing time because of his energy and the physicality he brings.

Amid a slew of injuries, Grebenkin was called up by the Leafs last week although this time around, was unable to crack the lineup.

With John Tavares and Matthew Knies returning to the lineup tonight, the Leafs opted to send the kid back down to the Toronto Marlies.

This is definitely for the best as the Marlies will provide the best place for Grebenkin to get playing time and some development.

In the future, Grebenkin will likely get a few more opportunities to show everyone what he can do.

Whether or not he becomes a consistent NHLer still remains to be seen. For now, fans are just happy to watch him grow as a player.

Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs are currently in the midst of a huge game against the Edmonton Oilers and they are currently up 3-0.

This is exactly the kind of game the Leafs needed, especially after losing three-in-a-row.