The Winnipeg Jets have re-signed forward Nikita Chibrikov to a two-year contract extension carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $875,000. The deal will take effect beginning in the 2026–27 season, as Chibrikov enters the final year of his entry-level contract.

The new contract is a one-way deal, signaling that Chibrikov is expected to be a full-time NHL player once the extension kicks in. For now, he remains on his entry-level deal, meaning he can move between the Jets and their AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose. While he’ll likely start the year with the Moose, the young winger is expected to see plenty of NHL action throughout the 2025–26 season.

Chibrikov, 22, was selected 50th overall in the second round of the 2021 NHL Draft. The Moscow, Russia native signed his entry-level deal with Winnipeg on May 1, 2023, following the conclusion of his KHL season. He joined the Moose immediately afterward for their playoff run.

Chibrikov made his NHL debut in the Jets’ final regular-season game of 2023–24 against the Vancouver Canucks, and made it memorable by scoring his first career NHL goal in that very game. That season, he also suited up in 70 games for the Moose, producing 47 points (17G, 30A).

During the 2024–25 campaign, Chibrikov battled through an injury that limited him to 30 AHL games, where he posted 18 points (7G, 11A). He also had a pair of call-ups with the Jets, appearing in four NHL games and recording two goals and one assist.

In his limited NHL experience so far, Chibrikov has shown he can be a gritty, hard-checking third-line forward who also brings scoring depth when needed. Whether he’s with the Jets or developing further in the AHL, Chibrikov will be a fun player to watch this season as he continues to push toward a full-time NHL role.