NHL Future Watch: Nikita Nesterenko Hockey Cards, Anaheim Ducks – Nikita Nesterenko was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks with the 172nd overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft. The chances of a sixth-round pick playing in the NHL are slim, but this Brooklyn, New York native broke through that barrier.
After playing in prep schools, he went to the BCHL to play for the Chilliwack Chiefs. The talented forward scored 20 goals with 36 assists in 56 games. He added two assists in seven games as well. Then he committed to Boston College.
In his freshman year, he had 19 points in 24 games. It was a solid season.
In his sophomore year, Nesterenko scored seven goals and 17 assists in 37 games. Four of his goals were on the power play, and he had one game-winning goal.
In 2022-23, the BC winger had a career year. In 36 games, he had 13 goals and 21 assists. One reason his numbers rose was the addition of Cutter Gauthier who had three more points to lead the team in scoring. Back to Nesterenko; four of his goals were on the power play, and he had one game-winning goal. These players have chemistry. Gauthier’s rights were traded to Anaheim, so Nesterenko should soon reunite with his former linemate. At the end of the 2022-23 season, the talented NCAA player turned pro and scored one point in his nine-game stint in Anaheim.
In 2023-24, Nesterenko played with the San Diego Gulls. In his first 46 games, he scored 11 goals with 15 assists. The AHL is a tough league, and that was the start of a solid rookie season. I would collect him because he will fit in with the young Anaheim nucleus which will help him turn into a very good NHL player someday.
NHL Future Watch: Nikita Nesterenko Cards Worth Collecting
One card to get is Nesterenko’s 2023-24 Upper Deck Artifacts Rookie. This set keeps its classic design, and the photo shows him in his Anaheim Ducks gear. It will surely be a sought-after card.
His main card is his 2023-24 Upper Deck Series 1 Young Guns Rookie. The card shows him skating in his Ducks gear. It looks like an in-game shot and to me that makes this card a bit better.
One last card is his 2023-24 O-Pee-Chee Marquee Rookie. The card looks great with the gold lettering.
Nesterenko will be a popular player with Anaheim. Fans should get him early before he has a chance to have a big splash in the next season or two.
NHL Future Watch: Nikita Nesterenko Hockey Cards, Anaheim Ducks – Stats
Statistical image generated on Sports Reference 02/27/2024.
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Russ Cohen
is the author of several top-selling sports related books.
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