Nikita Chibrikov

Russian centre-wing playing regularly in the adult league with SKA-1946, he is an excellent skater and one of the best offensively skilled 2021 draft prospects out of the MHL. Displays physicality, strong corner and wall work, despite not being a really big guy, arguably five nine, and 160 pounds. An aggressive forechecker but as many a young offensive player, he sees his role as an attacker, although not that strong on the puck, or very anxious to to the work in the defensive zone  And that is exactly what he is when the opposing team takes a penalty. His sharp edgework allows quick turns and dekes when his team is on the power play, but not exceptional in heavy traffic areas.  Sets up and runs the power play at the half boards and is a focal point of the shorthanded team's concern, getting quick crisp passes to both the top of the umbrella and all the way across rot the opposite wing for the one-timer. Has a terrific cross ice pass on the power play.He dominated with a stellar performance at the 2019 U-17 Five Nations tournament, and the Under-18 tourney did nothing to dissuade the opinion he is a scoring star with great vision, imagination, stick skills and speed. Will put up points at every level he ascends to.

--Bill Płaczek--