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Nikita Grebenkin, a restricted free agent, sat out the last 13 contests of the regular season and the entire postseason due to an upper-body ailment. However, a team insider informed The Inquirer that the 23-year-old is progressing well, with optimism surrounding his availability for training camp.
During his end-of-season media session in May, Flyers general manager Danny Briere expressed concern that Grebenkin might not be ready for camp. Initially believed to be a short-term issue, the injury failed to improve, prompting the team to explore alternative options. Briere noted that Grebenkin was the only injured player whose status was uncertain. Since then, the outlook has brightened. Grebenkin was observed skating during rehabilitation at development camp in late June.
Grebenkin carved out a role in Philadelphia's bottom six for much of the regular season, collecting four goals and 10 assists over 55 games in his first full NHL campaign. Acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Scott Laughton trade at the 2024 deadline, he quickly made a mark with his physical style and high energy. Over the weekend, he traveled to Russia to take part in a charity event dubbed Match of the Year, where he netted three goals, including a Michigan-style tally.
World Juniors Summer Showcase
Flyers first-round selection in the 2025 draft, Jack Nesbitt, and 2026 second-round pick Brek Liske are among 32 players vying for a spot on Team Canada at the World Junior Summer Showcase in Windsor, Ontario, which runs through Aug. 1. They join fellow Flyers prospects Jack Murtagh and Carter Amico, who are competing for Team USA at the event. Participation in the showcase often serves as a stepping stone to the IIHF World Juniors in late December. The Canadian and American squads are scheduled to face off on Saturday.
NCAA Commitment
KJ Sauer, selected by the Flyers in the fifth round of the 2026 draft, has committed to the University of Minnesota-Duluth for the 2027 season. He will spend the upcoming campaign with the WHL's Edmonton Oil Kings, marking his first year of junior hockey after four seasons at Andover High School in Minnesota.
Former Flyer Nic Deslauriers, dealt to the Carolina Hurricanes at the trade deadline after nearly four seasons in Philadelphia, enjoyed a day with the Stanley Cup. Although he appeared in just one playoff game during Carolina's championship run, Deslauriers earned his first engraving on the Cup. Meanwhile, the Flyers will host their 10th annual Community Caravan starting July 29, featuring exclusive merchandise giveaways and guest appearances through Wednesday, Aug.
Originally reported by headtopics.