Photo credit: The Hockey News

The Toronto Maple Leafs have activated Max Domi from injured reserve, but unfortunately, that means they were forced to hand down some tough news to rookie forward Nikita Grebenkin.

While it’s not necessarily a surprise, it’s still kind of a bummer to hear that the Maple Leafs have demoted Grebenkin, sending him back to the American Hockey League.

Grebenkin, who has endeared himself to Toronto Maple Leafs fans and turned some heads with his quotes and interviews, is officially headed back to the Marlies on Tuesday.

With Max Domi being activated from injured reserve, and the Maple Leafs setting a clear mandate for him ahead of his return, someone had to be sent down. Unfortunately for Grebenkin, he happens to be waivers exempt.

I’m not sure anyone expected Grebenkin to play with the Maple Leafs at all this season as it is the 21-year-old’s first time playing in North America.

Still, while he didn’t hit the scoresheet in his seven NHL games, Grebenkin did everything that was required of him in a depth role, and made a splash with fans after a pair of interviews that showcased his fun and likeable personality.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a big test tonight against their former head coach Sheldon Keefe and the surging New Jersey Devils.

New Jersey native Anthony Stolarz is being given a huge opportunity by Leafs head coach Craig Berube, getting the nod against his home State team.

Fans can be forgiven for being just a bit disappointed that Grebenkin won’t be in the lineup, but the team looks much healthier than it’s been in a while, which is great news.