Jets Top Prospect Out Long-Term With Lower-Body Injury

Winnipeg Jets prospect Nikita Chibrikov will be out long-term after suffering a lower-body injury on Sunday with the Manitoba Moose.

Moose HC Mark Morrison confirmed the injury, stating "He’s long-term. I don’t know what the doctors have said yet but he’s not short-term, put it that way. He’s going to be long term and it’s a big loss for us."

Chibrikov played in four games with the Jets this season, recording two goals and three points. In the AHL, the 21-year-old was leading the Moose in points with 18 and was tied for the second most goals on the team with seven.

The Russian-born winger sustained his injury against the Toronto Marlies when he was attempting to check Mikko Kokkonen. His right leg buckled during the attempt and he was unable to put any weight on it, forcing him to exit the game.

Chibrikov has been the Jets' most NHL-ready prospect for some time despite receiving limited opportunities to show his skillset in the NHL. David Minuk of illegalcurve.com reported that his sources have confirmed that Chibrikov will be done for the season.

If the report is true, it is disappointing and an unfortunate blip in his development. Chibrikov is skilled and a hard worker who should be able to recover and get back to his level in no time.

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