The Winnipeg Jets have signed forward Nikita Chibrikov to a two-year contract extension carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $875,000.
Chibrikov, 22, was set to become a restricted free agent (RFA) at the end of the 2025-26 season. He is currently in the final year of his three-year entry-level contract (ELC). He will be an RFA at the end of the 2027-28 season, and his qualifying offer will be $945,000.
Seen as one of the Jets’ most promising prospects in the system, Chibrikov has been a massive piece for the Jets’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Manitoba Moose. In 100 games for Manitoba, Chibrikov has posted 65 points (24G, 41A), 63 PIMs and been a minus-33. He’s also appeared in five NHL games to date, posting four points (3G, 1A), no PIMs and a plus-one.
The Moscow, Russian-born forward only suited up in 30 games in the 2024-25 season after suffering a season-ending lower-body injury. The Moose were in the basement of the AHL at that point, and Chibrikov’s loss added to the forgettable 25th season for the team.
Chibrikov has spent the entire duration of training camp with the Winnipeg Jets and is battling for a roster spot. Veterans like David Gustafsson, Tanner Pearson, Cole Koepke, Morgan Barron, Walker Duehr, and Alex Iafallo are all fighting the likes of Chibrikov, Brad Lambert, and Parker Ford for roster jobs, and it will be interesting to see how the Jets round out their bottom six.
Regardless of where Chibrikov starts the 2025-26 season, his game looks stronger, and he’s made a strong case for himself to make the opening night roster for the Winnipeg Jets. Though Chibrikov is waiver-exempt, that could play into the decision on where he starts the 2025-26 season.
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Conrad Jack is a Manitoba based sportswriter covering the Winnipeg Jets (NHL) and the Manitoba Moose (AHL). He also covers the NHL Draft and World Junior Championship for ITR. He writes the Bargain Bin blog which covers NHL News & Rumours.