Leafs prospect Nikita Grebyonkin opens up on substance use during KHL playoffs

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Julien Trekker
August 17, 2024 (6:06 PM)

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Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Nikita Grebyonkin opened up about substance use during the KHL playoffs in a recent interview.

Professional athletes are ready to do a lot to win, including playing through injuries.

That's what Nikita Grebyonkin did last season with Metallurg Magnitogorsk when he won the Gagarin Cup.

The young forward played with lower-body and shoulder injuries and had to take painkillers to keep playing.

Such a level of dedication at this age is great to see but also worrying.

Getting used to taking these can lead to substance abuse problems. However, it seemed to be a normal practice on his team.

This is something that is often hidden from the media, but the 135th overall pick in 2022 openly discussed this, which could mark a wind of change about that taboo topic:

"I wasn't the only one who played in the playoffs while taking them and risking my health. Many of our guys had serious injuries. Everyone was determined to win. Although the pills helped to numb the pain, it wasn't complete relief. My shoulder was aching, but the main injury was in my lower body."

He also stated that he's being taken care of by the Leafs' coaches and medical staff ahead of the 2024-25 season:

"I'm currently in the recovery process. In Toronto, the coaches and medical staff are watching me closely. They give me constant guidance on training, provide nutrition advice, and tell me what to avoid. All I can focus on right now is practicing and getting back in shape. The main thing is that everything is fine with my health."

He signed an entry-level contract with the Leafs earlier this summer, meaning that we will see him with the Marlies or with the Maple Leafs in October.

Let's hope that he'll be able to pursue his career without the them becoming a problem for him.

Source: Hockey News Hub on X
Update on Nikita Grebyonkin