Jets sign Nikita Chibrikov to two-year contract extension

A young prospect is giving himself more time in Manitoba’s capital.

On Saturday night, agent Dan Milstein announced that his client, forward Nikita Chibrikov, has signed a two-year contract extension with the Winnipeg Jets. The one-way deal, which kicks in next season, has a cap hit of $875,000 through the 2027-28 campaign.

Chibrikov is heading into the third and final season of his three-year, entry-level contract. That deal has a cap hit of $875,333 and an AAV of $925,000.

The 22-year-old has spent most of the first two seasons of pro hockey in North America with the Jets’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Manitoba Moose. He had a promising rookie season, scoring 17 goals and 30 assists for 47 points in 70 games during the 2023-24 campaign.

Chibrikov had a solid start to last season, even appearing in four games with Winnipeg. During his brief time with the Jets, he potted two goals and an assist. However, he suffered a lower-body injury in January that ultimately kept him out of action for the remainder of the season. In 30 games with the Moose, the Moscow native registered seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points.

There’s a lot of hope that Chibrikov can turn into an efficient scorer in the near future. He’s quick and has the hands that make him a solid playmaker. Many hope that his injury last season hindered his development.

In his young career, Chibrikov has scored three goals and four points in five NHL contests. In 102 games with the Moose, he’s notched 25 goals and 41 assists.

Chibrikov was taken by the Jets in the second round, 50th overall, of the 2021 NHL Draft.