The Winnipeg Jets drafted forward Nikita Chibrikov with the 50th overall selection in the 2021 NHL Draft.
Nikita Chibrikov
Position: LW/RW
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 172 pounds
Age: 18
Club: SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)
Nationality: Russian
| GP | G | A | P |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
(Stats source: EliteProspects.com)
Chibrikov is undersized and doesn't wow scouts with elite skating. Small and slow isn't the most promising combination, but he makes up for it with a relentless motor, high-end skill, and excellent hockey sense.
Chibrikov's stats aren't extraordinary, but the fact he managed to compete against grown men in the KHL in his age-17 season is impressive on its own. He was much more productive in Russia's second-best league, tallying eight points in 20 games. He also lit up the Under-18 worlds, registering four goals and nine assists in seven contests.
What they're saying
"Chibrikov is a legit shot-pass threat who has offensive creativity and already has pro experience in the KHL," Chris Peters of Hockey Sense wrote.