Denis Grebeshkov, a Russian professional ice hockey defenseman, began his career in the National Hockey League (NHL) after being drafted 18th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. Born on October 11, 1983, in Yaroslavl, Russia, Grebeshkov honed his skills in his home country before making the transition to North American hockey.
Grebeshkov's NHL journey started with the Los Angeles Kings, where he played parts of two seasons. His time with the Kings was marked by limited appearances, as he spent much of his early career developing in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Manchester Monarchs, the Kings' affiliate team. This period allowed him to adapt to the North American style of play and refine his defensive capabilities.
In 2006, Grebeshkov was traded to the New York Islanders, where he continued to split his time between the NHL and the AHL. His tenure with the Islanders was brief, and he was soon on the move again, this time to the Edmonton Oilers in 2007. It was with the Oilers that Grebeshkov found more stability and opportunity to showcase his abilities on the ice.
During his time with Edmonton, Grebeshkov developed into a reliable defenseman, known for his puck-moving skills and ability to contribute offensively. The 2008-2009 season was particularly productive for him, as he recorded 39 points in 72 games, a career-high in the NHL. His performance earned him recognition as a valuable asset on the Oilers' blue line.
In 2010, Grebeshkov was traded to the Nashville Predators, but his stint with the team was short-lived. He played only a handful of games before deciding to return to Russia, where he joined SKA Saint Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). This move marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career, as he spent the next few years playing in the KHL, one of the premier leagues in Europe.
Grebeshkov's return to Russia allowed him to play for several teams, including SKA Saint Petersburg, Atlant Moscow Oblast, and HC Yugra. His experience in the KHL further solidified his reputation as a skilled defenseman capable of contributing at both ends of the ice. Despite the challenges of transitioning between leagues, Grebeshkov maintained a consistent level of play throughout his time in the KHL.
In 2013, Grebeshkov made a brief return to the NHL, rejoining the Edmonton Oilers. However, his second stint with the team was not as impactful as his first, and he spent much of the season with the Oklahoma City Barons, the Oilers' AHL affiliate. After the 2013-2014 season, Grebeshkov returned to Russia, where he continued to play in the KHL until his retirement from professional hockey.
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