Denis Grebeshkov

2001-02: Earned a spot on Lokomotiv Yaroslavl’s main roster and played on their third and fourth defensive pairings. This was an especially important accomplishment considering the fact that Yaroslavl won the Russian National Championship and was considered to have one of Russia’s strongest defenses. Even though ‘Grebs’ received limited ice time totaling no more 10 minutes a game, he still gained a lot of experience playing and practicing with veterans, former NHLers. 

The Los Angeles Kings selected  Denis Grebeshkov with the 18th overall pick making him the first Russian defender selected.

2002-03: continued his development with Yaroslav, splitting time between the 1st and 2nd defensive pairings. Helped Team Russia to a gold medal in the U20 WJC in 2002.

2003-04: played for Manchester of the AHL after impressing at training camp. Suffered a wrist injury (Dec. 1) that required surgery and missed 6 weeks. Came back from the injury to earn himself a brief call-up with the Kings. Was solid on defense and showed great maturity in his time in Manchester.

2004-05: defensive development did not progress as many tought it should as he battled with inconsistency. Continued to put up offensive numbers, especially assists on the powerplay, with Manchester. Led all AHL defensemen in assists (44).

2005-06: Traded to the NY Islanders in 2006 with Jeff Tambellini for Mark Parrish and Brent Sopel. 

2006-07: Returned to RSL after failing to get a 1-way contract from NYI and was then dealt to the Edmonton Oilers at the trade deadline for Marc-Andre Bergeron.

2007-08: