Smitten with his potential, the Los Angeles Kings picked-up Grebeshkov with the 18th overall pick in the 2002 NHL draft, making him the first Russian defender selected.
Following his career in the Russian Super League, Denis joined the AHL’s Manchester Monarchs to start 2003-04 and progressed rapidly despite missing two months with a wrist injury.
His steady play with Manchester earned Grebeshkov a late season callup to Los Angeles, where he played in four games and scored his first NHL point.
In 2004-05, Grebeshkov has shown the promising offensive upside that the Kings’ front office raves about. This year he has become a real scoring threat, using his great vision to set up 24 helpers in 38 games.
“He’s a great skater, a moves really well through traffic and is really learning how to exploit defenses,” said a team source.
“Denis is a very mature player, possesses an outstanding attitude and he refuses to be out worked on the ice.”
Grebeshkov is taking full advantage of his time in the AHL this season and should make a splash in the NHL as soon as play resumes. He rises three in this year's ranking to debut at no. 7. Had there not been the log-jam of strike-bound NHL-ready players, he probably would have gone higher in the count.
