Please rotate your device to landscape mode for a better experience.
PACIFIC
CENTRAL
METROPOLITAN
ATLANTIC
Login

Chicago Blackhawks
NikitaShcherbakov
DAge: 18191 CM85 KGRUS RUS
Nikita Shcherbakov
NHLNHL Draft2026, NJD (44th overall)2nd round, 12th pick
THLTHL Draft2026, CHI (51st overall)2nd round, 19th pick

Projected potential

Bio

With an ideal frame for an NHL defensemen, Shcherbakov is a detailed oriented defender with good puck moving ability and flashes of offensive upside.

PNHLe

PNHLe data is not available for this prospect yet.

What is PNHLe?

PNHLe is an offensive stat that is used to project a player’s point potential at the NHL level and is meant to standardize a variety of leagues so that prospects can be compared from one league with another.

PNHLe attempts to equalize all leagues, age and positions so that the offensive potential of a prospect can easily be compared with others, while also projecting future NHL point potential in the prime years of a player.

The problem with NHLe

The premise of the NHLe stat is certainly a great idea. If a player jumps directly from one league to the NHL there should be some precedent set by historical values that would indicate how many points that player should project to having in a full NHL season. However, it always bothered me that NHLe never took into account that younger players in the same league would always have a massive disadvantage compared to those that have more experience and are physically more mature in the same league. NHLe only looks at the present to predict how many points in one league are equated at the NHL level.

NHL Certainty
6.0
60% odds
Odds of becoming a full-time NHL player (10.0 = 100%). Draft guideline is a starting point and should rise as the prospect proves himself.
Upside
6.0
 
Best-case offensive upside (peak season points potential). Forwards: 8.0 ≈ 80 points. Defense and goalie scales differ.

Scouting Feed

Shcherbakov was selected by the New Jersey Devils in the 2nd round (44th overall) in the 2026 NHL Draft.

While Nikita has ideal size for a defenseman, it sometimes looks as though he’s still getting used to his own body. Shcherbakov makes good quick reads on the breakout, and also shows patience in order for passing lanes to open. Nikita has a good defensive stick in transition, closes gaps quickly and effectively. Struggles with the physicality of playing in a men’s league at times. Flashes of offensive upside with blue line walking ability and jumping into the play off the cycle in the offensive zone.



Career Stats
SeasonTypeLeagueTeamGPGAP+/-PIMPPGSHGSOG
2022-23RegularRussia U16Salavat Yulaev Ufa U1634410142332
2023-24RegularRussia U18Salavat Yulaev Ufa U18614584
2023-24RegularRussia U17Salavat Yulaev Ufa U1739620263610
2024-25RegularMHLTolpar Ufa4017828
2024-25RegularRussia U18Salavat Yulaev Ufa U182011-42
2024-25PlayoffsMHLTolpar Ufa2000-30
2024-25PlayoffsRussia U18Salavat Yulaev Ufa U189134110
2025-26RegularKHLSalavat Yulaev Ufa7000-34
2025-26RegularVHLToros Neftekamsk354610-324
2025-26RegularMHLTolpar Ufa150101046