Nikita Nesterov Profile

Skating

7
Stickhandling

6
Defensive play

7
Scoring

7
Hockey sense

6
Size

7

Grade: 7.5C

History

2008-09: Nikita Nesterov was a member of Team Russia-93 since the first day. He always had a prominent role in the team and played in the top defensive pairs. Nesterov also played in multiple national tournaments with Traktor junior team and Ural selects team. 2009-10: Nikita Nesterov started playing at the MHL level as underager, and scored an impressive seven points in nine games. Nesterov also kept his strong play with Russia-93 and with Traktor's junior team, being the captain and winning the Russian junior championship scoring 12 points in the 6-game final stage. Nesterov was then called to represent Russia at the U18 WJC, once again as underager. At the end of the season he was picked by the Tri-City Americans of the WHL in the CHL Import Draft, but opted to stay in Russia.

Talent Analysis

Nikita Nesterov is a promising two-way defenseman with a good shot from the point, thus being a good weapon during the powerplay. While Nesterov isn't a top notch skater, he doesn't have many problems in dealing with the opposition top skaters. Nesterov likes playing with an edge and can play pretty physical at times. He also had some brawls in his junior career, but this doesn't mean that he could do the same with the pro. He has interesting size for his age, but will need to bulk up and get stronger for the more requiring North American game. Nesterov is an intriguing prospect with all the tools to play in the NHL.

Future

Nikita Nesterov has been drafted in the WHL, but opted to keep on playing within the Traktor Chelyabinsk organization. There were some talks about him reporting to Tri-City, but the Americans have already both the import slots occupied. Nikita Nesterov has very good chances to get picked in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.