Russian Jets prospect could potentially make the starting roster
Photo credit: The Hockey Writers
All eyes are on the Jets prospects as Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff looks to the young guns to make an impact next season.
One quiet, but noteworthy prospect to keep an eye on is Nikita Chibrikov. With other prospects like Rutger McGroarty and Brad Lambert taking much of the spotlight this off season, Nikita Chibrikov has been flying somewhat under the radar.
It won't be smooth sailing for the young Russian to crack the starting roster as he faces some formidable competition regarding his position.
The skilled, forechecking winger whose motor is always set on ‘high' has the tools to be an effective forward very soon in the NHL. He is 21 years old and coming off of a 17-goal, 47-point season in 70 games for the Manitoba Moose.
The number one thing working against him is the logjam in the Jets' bottom-six. As a winger, he will be competing against Alex Iafallo, Morgan Barron, Nino Niederreiter, and Mason Appleton for a spot, and I do not envision him cracking the top six quite this early in his career.
The media is projecting Chibrikov will have a true shot at cracking the Jets roster ahead of the 2025-26 season. The Jets will lose some key third line players to free agency, creating a vacant spot for the young Russian.
Although, the situation is not all bad for Chibrikov. The opportunity for an early call up could very well be likely if Alex Iafallo or Mason Appleton get off to a slow start.
source: The Hockey Writers
3 Winnipeg Jets Who Could Earn a Roster Spot in 2024-25
3 Winnipeg Jets Who Could Earn a Roster Spot in 2024-25
| POLL | ||
25 JUILLET | 113 ANSWERS Russian Jets prospect could potentially make the starting roster Will Chibrikov get a roster spot next season? | ||
| Yes | 74 | 65.5 % |
| No | 39 | 34.5 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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