Nikita Chibrikov "Really Happy and Excited" for Season Debut with Jets

The Winnipeg Jets are set to square off with the Boston Bruins from Canada Life Centre on Tuesday evening.

Joining the club from the Manitoba Moose on an AHL recall is forward Nikita Chibrikov.

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“I had a call from (Moose head coach) Mark Morrisson. He said I am the call-up. I was really happy and excited to be here.”

Some may recall his NHL debut last season, where he earned a call-up alongside Brad Lambert for the final game of the year. He scored pretty goal in a lopsided win, and celebrated directly into the lens of the television camera.

“It helps a lot," Chibrikov said when asked about getting the nerves out of the way in his first NHL contest last season.

"When I made my debut, it was one of the first steps to becoming an NHL player and build a little bit more confidence. But it is a new season, it’s the regular season going, so it’s not their last game, so it’s a more pressure here. I am read for this game and will try my best to help the team to win this game"

The 21-year-old Russian has played primarily with the Moose the past two seasons after being drafted in the second round by Winnipeg in 2021.

He leads the Moose in scoring with five goals and 13 points in 19 games but has a -10 plus/minus statistic.

Chibrikov will join Vladislav Namestnikov and Cole Perfetti on the team's second line.

“Yeah, great guys," he said of his linemates. "So Vladdy also knows Russian, so that’s a little easier for me. Fetts is a real smart player, so I think it’s really easy to find the chemistry with them. Just play the right way.”

And what exactly is the 'right way?'

“It’s more try to play my best game. Play my way, be ready a little bit quicker and fast decisions," he said.

“Try to go in the corners, be heavy with the guys. I am not afraid to go to the net. Make smart decisions and a little bit of play making. Play smart and make some good moves for my partners also.”

With his recall comes the re-assignment of 20-year-old Brad Lambert to the Moose. He had two penalty minutes and a -1 rating in his four games with the big league club this season.

Last year with Manitoba, Chibrikov put up 17 goals and 47 points in 70 games, and was invited to serve as the team's representative at the NHLPA Rookie Showcase this summer.