The Anaheim Ducks have made a significant addition to their team with the signing of forward Nikita Nesterenko to a three-year entry-level contract. The former Boston College star has had an impressive three-year career on the ice, where he showcased his exceptional talent and was a key contributor to his team's success.
Nesterenko's journey began as a freshman on a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament, where he played a pivotal role in anchoring the bottom lines of the team, playing alongside stars such as Matt Boldy, Marc McLaughlin, and Alex Newhook. Even as a freshman, Nesterenko showed glimpses of his incredible skills and his ability to impact the game positively. His efforts were instrumental in helping his team reach the playoffs, where they came close to winning it all.
Over the next two seasons, he established himself as one of the top forwards on the team. He formed a potent line with Colby Ambrosio, and the duo wreaked havoc on the opposition. The line had a lot of skill at its disposal, and Nesterenko's ability to create scoring opportunities made him one of the most dangerous players on the ice.
Despite the team going through a rebuilding phase in their sophomore and junior seasons, including the introduction of a new head coach, Nikita Nesterenko continued to shine. He was a consistent performer, and his contributions did not go unnoticed. In his final season, he finished second in points, trailing only Cutter Gauthier, which speaks volumes about his impact on the team's offense.
The Anaheim Ducks have made a shrewd move in signing Nikita Nesterenko. He is a versatile player who can play in both center and wing positions and has an excellent shot. He has an eye for goals and can create opportunities for his teammates with his superb playmaking skills. His speed and agility make him a nightmare for defenders, and he has the ability to change the course of the game in an instant.
From Lawrenceville to Boston College: Nikita Nesterenko's Impressive Hockey Journey
Nikita Nesterenko is a highly talented forward who has made a significant impact during his time at Boston College. In the 2022-23 season, Nesterenko played in 36 games and recorded 13 goals and 21 assists, giving him a total of 34 points. He finished the season with a plus-minus rating of +6. He was highly disciplined, taking only a few penalties during the season. He also scored three power-play goals and had nine power-play points, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Before joining Boston College, Nikita Nesterenko played for the Lawrenceville School and the Sioux Falls Stampede in the USHL. During his time with the Lawrenceville School, Nesterenko was a standout player. He was named the 2019-20 NJ.com Ice Hockey Player of the Year after recording 25 goals and 31 assists in 23 games. He also helped his team reach the state championship game and was named to the All-Prep first team.
After graduating from high school, Nikita Nesterenko joined the Sioux Falls Stampede of the USHL. He played in 43 games during the 2020-21 season, recording 14 goals and 19 assists. He also helped his team reach the playoffs, where they reached the Western Conference Finals.
Nikita Nesterenko's success at the high school and junior levels earned him a spot on the Boston College Eagles roster. He made an immediate impact as a freshman, playing a key role in the team's NCAA tournament run.