LA Kings Draft: Nikita Chibrikov 2021 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

Scouting Report

"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. Dobber Prospects/Richard"

Production

• 19-20: 3G, 13A, 8 PIM, +2 in 32 GP with MHK Dynamo (MHL)
• 20-21: 3G, 5A, 49 PIM, -7 in 20GP with SKA-Neva St. Petersburg (VHL)
• 2021: 4G, 9A, 14 PIM, +7 in 7 GP for Team Russia (U18s)