Nikita Nesterenko

November 2025 – Injuries have caused some line shuffling, and no one has benefited more than Nesterenko. The Ducks’ true utility player, he plugs into any line or situation as needed. When penalty killers went down, Nesterenko filled in. When Vatrano struggled to generate offense on the third line, they inserted Nesterenko, and he has produced. The biggest showcase of his value came when Leo Carlsson was ejected from a recent game, and Nesterenko was tasked with filling in as the first-line center, where he assisted on a goal. He continues to provide nearly two hits per game, and while the Ducks’ hot offense will likely cool off, maintaining his current utility role could see him reach the 30-40 point range. The main risk is being shuffled down the lineup once Granlund and Strome return from injury. Regardless, Nesterenko’s AHL days are behind him, and he’s on the cusp of cementing his place in the NHL. Markus R

October 2025 – Not surprisingly, Nesterneko has made the opening day roster for the Ducks. His play with the Gulls last season was good enough to get attention, and once he got time with the NHL squad, he was capable of holding down a role in the bottom-six and the penalty kill. Nesterneko will never put up a lot of points, but he can give you a few points over a season, and he’s tallied over two hits per game with low TOI. – Markus R

June 2025 – Nesterenko signed an extension with the Ducks, keeping him there for the next two seasons. He has, without doubt, been the Gulls’ most effective skater this season. Second in call-up order only behind Colangelo in 2023-24, Nesterenko is on the fringes of cracking the Ducks’ lineup. Nesterenko brings everything you’d want in a bottom-six NHL forward: speed, motor, physicality, defensive reliability, and just enough offensive touch to be dangerous. It’s not a question of whether he will get NHL time, it’s when. He’s expected to start the year in San Diego, but Nesterenko’s the first call-up when injuries arise. He is never going to score in droves, but he should be able to put up a decent amount of points and hits. In deeper leagues, he could be viable very soon. If you need someone who will soon be an NHL regular in your lineup, consider Nesterenko. Markus R

March 2023 – The Ducks acquired NCAA prospect Nikita Nesterenko in the John Klingberg trade. At the conclusion of his junior year at Boston College the Ducks signed him to his ELC and he will join the Gulls in the AHL for the 2023-24 season. Peter Harling

February 2021 – Nesterenko has taken a big step as he joined Boston College in the NCAA. He has demonstrated His excellent playmaking ability as He’s able to scan the ice and find teammates dangerous to score and sets them up perfectly. He has a terrific shot that he utilizes often to score goals and is committed to playing great defense in his own zone. Nesterenko has 16 points in 17 games ( seven goals and nine assists) and his development is going smoothly as of now. He will need a couple more years in the NCAA before he can come to Iowa in the AHL, But if Minnesota develops him right, they could have a good player on their hands. Rayan Tubeec

July 2019 – The young American played high school hockey in his draft-eligible season which diminished his stock. Playing primarily in the New Jersey area, Nesterenko dominated his competition whether it was during USHS-PREP play or travel team games with New Jersey Jr. Titans U18 team. At almost two points-per-game, 59 points in 31 games, his speed and skill dominated the high school level. Next year he will get the chance to play in a slightly more competitive league in the BCHL with the Chilliwack Chiefs before a year at Brown University. Nesterenko was a long-term plan when he was drafted and may prove to be a valuable asset if his development at the next few levels of hockey over the next couple of seasons. Pat Quinn