Chibrikov’s season has been another exercise in frustration. Four goals and five assists in 40 AHL games on a Manitoba team that shows little inclination toward player development. In his handful of NHL appearances, he was deployed at eight to ten minutes a night, hardly enough ice time to get into the game and make an impact. The October optimism around Cole Perfetti’s injury and a potential second-line opportunity did not materialize in any meaningful way. Like Brad Lambert, he is a player whose real value may only become clear in an organization better equipped to develop young talent. The two-year extension and one-way contract starting in 2026-27 provide some security, but Winnipeg’s track record with prospects like Chibrikov raises legitimate questions about whether he will ever get a fair shake in that system. Hold in dynasty leagues but temper expectations until there is a concrete sign the Jets intend to actually use him.

An opportunity arises! Coming off a season-ending injury in early 2025, Winnipeg Jets forward Nikita Chibrikov is back to full health and has signed a two-year extension with an average annual value of $875,000. Starting in the 2026-27 season, Chibrikov’s contract will be a one-way contract, making him waivers exempt; he will be a restricted free agent at the end of the 2027-28 campaign.

An injury to the Jets’ young forward Cole Perfetti has potentially opened the door for a now healthy Nikita Chibrikov to earn a chance at playing top-six minutes on the second line alongside veterans Gustav Nyqvist and Jonathan Toews, and he could also see time on the second power play unit.

Will Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel allow Chibrikov the opportunity to cement himself as an everyday NHLer early in the 2025-26 season, or will he turn to a trusted veteran like Alex Iafallo? Chibrikov fantasy owners can only hope he will be given the first look on the Jets’ second line and become an immediate fantasy producer, providing multi-category value.

It is time to take him out of his minors spot on your fantasy roster and put him on your bench, then go ahead and put him in your starting lineup if he finds success with the opportunity mentioned above.