Player Overview
Position: RW
D.O.B: February 16, 2003
Birthplace: Moskva, Russia
Nationality: Russian
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 161 lbs
Shoots: Left
Introduction
Nikita Chibrikov is a highly-skilled scoring winger that processes the game at a mature level. A part of the highly-touted SKA St. Petersburg, Chibrikov spent time at all three levels (MHL/VHL/KHL) this season. Of course, he looked most dominant in the MHL. However, he proved to be quite productive against men in the VHL and KHL, as well. Personally, Chibrikov is my top-ranked, draft-eligible in Russia. His skill set should translate nicely to the NHL, making him a relatively high-ceiling prospect.
Hockey IQ & Vision
Chibrikov is an intelligent hockey player with great vision that processes the game quickly. He finds open areas easily and typically knows what he will do with the puck before it’s in his possession. Chibrikov’s high-end vision and ability to read defenses make him an effective passer capable of setting up teammates all over the ice. He is not afraid to execute more difficult pass attempts, making them appear more methodical than risky.
In this particular video, you see a prime example of Chibrikov’s ability to take calculated risks with his passing. He sends this cross-ice between four defenders, an attempt many would shy away from. However, he is able to quickly assess the space given and capitalize, resulting in a goal.
This time, Chibrikov performs a behind-the-back pass in front of the net, knowing a teammate should be close by. At first glance, the pass might appear like a careless flashy play. However, there is some serious intelligence and awareness at work here.
Skating & Puck Skills
Chibrikov’s skating is top notch and a key reason he can excel in various game scenarios. He is a fast skater with good edge work that can point out effective lanes for himself. His skating stride needs minimal improvement, and knocking him off the puck is no easy task. In terms of puck skills, he is rarely flashy but very intentional about handling the puck. He reads the defense well and places the puck in an area that easily translates to a quality pass or shot. Also, his ability to keep the puck on his stick along the boards allows him to maintain possession when the likelihood of losing it is high. Chibrikov’s pairing of strong skating and puck handling makes him effective at exiting the defensive zone and entering the offensive zone. As a scoring winger, he possesses the necessary skating talent to succeed at the next level.
Scoring
Chibrikov is a versatile goal scorer whose high-end skating ability and hockey IQ serves as quality compliments to diversify his execution methods. He has little problem beating the defense in open space, producing solid individual scoring efforts. However, these attempts typically lack the flash associated with a player possessing a similar skill set. Chibrikov is an expert at finding open space in the offensive zone, providing teammates with a quality pass recipient that can get a quality shot off. Additionally, he loves to position himself in front of the net, looking for opportunities to deflect a shot. He is also very good at obtaining rebound opportunities, fighting off the opposition to get a quality second shot on goal. The only concern with his net-front play is his size. Chibrikov’s smaller stature will make it challenging to continue to thrive in those areas consistently at the next level.
On this particular goal, Chibrikov parks himself in front of the net. He does not get a shot deflection; however, he follows the puck and receives a quality rebound opportunity. Also, he maintains composure while being knocked to the ice long enough to get off the shot for the goal.
This time, Chibrikov uses his speed to break away from the opposition and beat the goaltender with the well-placed wrist shot.
Physicality
For someone of his size, Chibrikov is surprisingly physical. He does not shy away from contact and uses his low center of gravity to drive his body into defenders. His fearlessness makes him an effective net-front presence, for now. Although he’s difficult to knock off the puck while skating, his size still comes with disadvantages. Players tend to have their way with him along the boards, knocking him down with ease.
Defense
For all of the skill and intelligence Chibrikov brings offensively, he is typically the polar opposite on the defensive end. Sure he has his capable moments. However, he often appears removed from the play, unable to read the opposition and pick up a player. His powerful skating allows him to fix mistakes and still disrupt play. Conversely, numerous occasions occur where his mishaps on defense lead to quality scoring chances for the opposition.
Rankings
#28- Eliteprospects
#15- RecruitScouting
Conclusion
Chibrikov is a highly-skilled and intelligent scoring winger. He possesses the appropriate tool kit to one day succeed at the role in the NHL. Of course, he is going to need to add some beef to his small frame. Also, he will likely have to adjust the frequency in which he parks himself in front of the net. Opposing players will force him out of there quite easily unless he puts on some serious muscle. Defense will never be Chibrikov’s strength; however, it won’t prevent him from having a quality professional career either. Expect Chibrikov to evolve into a dangerous scorer from the wing that can play in a team’s top-six.
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