Winnipeg Jets prospect Nikita Chibrikov (2021 2nd) is in Manitoba

Back in 2021 the Jets selected winger Nikita Chibrikov with the 50th overall pick (2nd round). He has been playing overseas including in the KHL since that time with a contract that is reportedly set to expire by the end of this April.

In his first media availability after being drafted by Winnipeg back in 2021 he had indicated he had a two-year contract. The 20 year old spent the 2022-23 season playing in various Russian leagues including 31 games for Spartak Moskva of the KHL. There has been some online speculation recently that he was looking to head overseas to start his career in North America when his deal in the KHL expired.

While I cannot confirm the above I can attest to the fact that the talented winger is in Manitoba as he was taking in the first Moose playoff game in downtown Winnipeg this evening alongside some of his fellow draft picks including Danny Zhilkin (2022 3rd) and Dmitry Kuzmin (2021 3rd).

In theory if he signs with the Jets on May 1st he could play for the Moose who will be playing game 3 against the Admirals on May 3rd. Of course he hasn’t played a game in awhile so this may be more about getting him acclimatized.

We shall have to wait to hear from Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff about his status.