Nikita Nesterov, D
Shoots: L	Height: 5-11	Weight: 195
Born: 1993-03-28	Hometown: Chelyabinsk, Russia.	Drafted: 5th Round, 2011 (148th overall)

 

 

 

Observations:

 

January 2016 – Nesterov has spent most of the 2015-16 campaign with the Bolts, but hasn't lived up to the standard he set for himself in Tampa Bay's playoff run last season. He currently has four points (and 25 PIM) in 23 NHL games, and four points in 10 AHL games. He still has some learning to do to make the most of his agility and puck-moving potential. Hayden Soboleski

 

February 2015  – Nesterov, an agile, two-way defenseman out of Russia, has been quietly impressing Lightning Coach Jon Cooper ever since his call-up to the Bolts. Initially, Nesterov was called into the team as a replacement for Radko Gudas. However, when another Tampa Bay defender went down injured in Matt Carle, it left a roster spot open until his return from injury. His heavy shot, accompanied by a quick ability to rebound the play from defense to offense. He hasn’t looked out of his depth in his nine NHL games so far. While Nesterov is still settling into life in America (Tampa Bay have quite a few young, skilled Russian speaking players, which will help him), but once he does, he more than likely be one of Tampa’s Top 4 defensemen. Cam Pope

 

Fantasy Outlook: B

In one to two years with escalated minutes (so far he has only managed 14:50 per game) he could be a strong plus/minus player, along with above-average assist totals and power-play points.

 

Footage:

His goal from the 2012 World Junior Champs against Canada:

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Buy the latest Fantasy Prospects Report here.

 

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