leafs rookie crashing interviews

Toronto Maple Leafs rookie keeps crashing fan interviews

Toronto Maple Leafs rookie Nikita Grebenkin isn't exactly the biggest star in town, but he's still getting swarmed on the streets by a diehard group of fans."

Grebenkin, a 21-year-old from Russia, originally joined the franchise two years ago as a fifth-round draft pick.

And while he mostly flew under the radar in his first few years in the organization, he's now played five games for the most-watched hockey team in the world.

After Grebenkin's second NHL game against Utah on November 24, he was stopped by the Fan First Network, an independent media channel that's created a fair bit of buzz over the past few years.

And while many players in the NHL sneak out of the arena through underground entrances, Grebenkin — who was apparently on his way to catch a cab — was happy to chat with the channel for a few minutes.

"A win today… it's [a] paycheque," Grebenkin said with a laugh, likely referencing the "forecheck, backcheck, paycheque" phrase repeated by hockey players of all ages.

After the Leafs won last night against the Chicago Blackhawks, Grebenkin made another surprise appearance on the network. On his way out of Scotiabank Arena, Grebenkin was spotted by the hosts once again.

"Work, sleep, work… Go Leafs go, yeah?" Grebenkin told the hosts to a big cheer.

Grebenkin then was asked if the 4-1 win equalled another paycheque.

"Paycheque today, Papi [Auston Matthews] back, [he scored]," Grebenkin added, before mimicking his teammate's moves to yet another big cheer.

"I enjoy speaking with you!" Grebenkin said, before getting a few cheers on his way into another cab.

While the day might come when Grebenkin no longer wants to stop and chat with YouTube channels outside of the arena, he definitely appears to be making the most of his first few months in Toronto.

Lead photo by

Fan First Network


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