Toronto Maple Leafs top prospect Nikita Grebyonkin comes forward about the dark side of playoff hockey

Hockey players are admired for their commitment to the sport and ability to play through injury. After every playoff series players will come out and reveal wild injuries they were dealing with. Today Maple Leafs prospect Nikita Grebyonkin admitted why feats like this are possible and the dangers that come along with it.

In a new interview Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nikita Grebyonkin spoke about his time in the KHL with Metallurg Magnitogorsk. During the interview he confirmed that he and several other players were on high doses of painkillers to play through injuries.

Last season in the KHL Nikita Grebyonkin had a breakout season with 41 points in 67 games. However, after his injuries and the addition of the previously mentioned painkillers he struggled in the playoffs. In 23 games he tallied just 6 points.

Now Nikita Grebyonkin has signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs and will start his NHL journey. As of now it remains to be see whether or not he will make the NHL roster. If he has a good preseason and impresses Craig Berube an NHL roster spot is likely secured. If not we could see Nikita Grebyonkin on a stint with the Toronto Marlies.