Nikita Chibrikov

October 2023 – After a busy summer with the Winnipeg Jets organization, which saw Chibrikov attend the Jets’ 2023 Development Camp in July, participate in the 2023 Young Stars Classic in Penticton, B.C., from September 15-18, 2023, he also attended his first NHL training camp with Jets before being reassigned to the Manitoba Moose to start the 2023-24 season. Mark Henry

May 2023 – Having recently signed an ELC, Chibrikov had a hot and cold season overseas. He got his first pro season underway with Spartak Moskva but averaged just 7:09 minutes a game across the season and scored only 2 points in 31 games. He was never able to get his game going at the top level with such sporadic deployment, but his performance at the junior level was a different story. In the MHL, he showcased the offensive talent he was drafted for, although he did not take the strides forward that Winnipeg fans were hoping for. A lot is expected of Chibrikov once he makes the jump over to the Manitoba Moose (AHL), potentially as early as 2023-24. Seth Ditchfield

April 2022 – Chibrikov has fared quite well this season across Russian hockey leagues. The 2021 second rounder (50th overall) began the season in the KHL, but was held scoreless in his four appearances averaging 7:36 per night. As an 18-year-old, Chibrikov has shined since being assigned to the VHL with SKA-Neva St. Petersburg, posting 31 points in 28 contests. Despite being the youngest by two years, his 1.107 points per game is strong enough to place him top five in the entire league. This is a testament to his abilities, effectively carrying through the neutral zone and either finding teammates to create scoring chances or using a quick release of his own. SKA-Neva St. Petersburg are currently down 3-2 in the VHL semi-finals, looking to push a game seven. Chibrikov plans to continue his development in Russia and remains under contract for at least one more season before considering making the jump to North America to pursue his top six upside. Justin Kaye

July 2021 – Chibrikov was selected in the second round, 50th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2021 NHL Draft. Nick Richard

January 2021 – Chibrikov has bounced around the SKA St. Petersburg system through the first half of his draft year, playing games in the MHL, VHL, and KHL. He has produced at the lower levels, including three goals and five assists through 17 VHL games, and scored his first KHL goal in just his fourth contest in Russia’s top league.

Chibrikov is a fantastic skater who manufactures chances with strong transitional play, creating controlled exits from the defensive zone and clean entries into the offensive zone with consistency. He has good instincts in all three zones, provides puck support when needed, and does not hesitate to engage physically despite his small stature. Chibrikov is always scanning the ice, ready to attempt a difficult pass at a moment’s notice or jump into a soft spot in coverage to make himself available for a scoring chance. He has a good shot and solid puck skills but can be forced into mistakes when his time and space is taken away. He competes hard and can be quite elusive with the puck on his stick, using his low center of gravity to lean on defenders while protecting the puck. He is shifty and can change directions with ease, able to spin off defenders and get underneath checks on the cycle. Chibrikov will have to add strength to his slight frame and tighten up his decision-making as he adjusts to the pace of the pro game but his skill set and potential as a play-driving winger are enticing. Nick Richard