Nikita Grebenkin has been out since March, and the Philadelphia Flyers just got the update they wanted heading into camp.
Philadelphia still has two restricted free agents unsigned, and Grebenkin is the one who missed half the stretch run with an injury.
On Thursday afternoon, PHLY's Charlie O'Connor reported that the winger is trending toward a full recovery in time for September camp.
Grebenkin has not played since a 4-1 road win over the San Jose Sharks on March 21st.
No surgery was needed, and barring a setback over the next month and a half, O'Connor says the outlook right now is good.
O'Connor didn't hedge either, no vague week to week language, just a team source confirming things look good right now.
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The Flyers never confirmed specifics beyond calling it an upper body injury. No fracture, no cast, nothing beyond that one label.
Briere praises Grebenkin's edge as his next contract looms
Flyers general manager Daniel Briere addressed Grebenkin directly in a recent interview with The Hockey News, and the affection was obvious.
"He's just got to get healthy, but yeah, we love his spunk. We love the sandpaper that he brings, great personality, really well-loved, too, in the locker room," Briere said.
Grebenkin posted 4 goals, 10 assists, and 14 points across 55 games before the injury ended his season early. Modest numbers for a bottom six role.
Does 14 points justify the affection? Not on its own, but every team needs sandpaper somewhere in the room, the rough edge that keeps a lineup from feeling too polished.
He carries a cap hit of $875,000 right now. As a restricted free agent without arbitration rights, he has no leverage, and he can't sign an offer sheet elsewhere.
Philadelphia finished 43-27-12 last season for 98 points, good enough for 11th overall, proof this group needs health more than an overhaul.
Grebenkin getting right is one thread left hanging on this Flyers offseason. His next contract is another, and neither one is tied off yet.
Should the Flyers commit a multi year deal to Nikita Grebenkin this summer?
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