Nikita Nesterenko

Nikita Nesterenko (born September 10, 2001) is an American professional ice hockey player who is a center for the San Diego Gulls of the American Hockey League (AHL) as a prospect to the Anaheim Ducks in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected by the Minnesota Wild with the 17th pick in the sixth round, 172nd selection overall, of the 2019 NHL entry draft. the son of immigrants from Russia, he was raised in Coney Island.

Playing career Amateur He played prep hockey for the Lawrenceville School, graduating in 2020. He played for the Chilliwack Chiefs of the British Columbia Hockey League before joining the collegiate Boston College Eagles team. He was also named to Hockey East's All-Rookie Team for 2020–21. During his junior season with the Eagles in 2022–23, he established a career best 13 goals and 34 points through 36 games.

Professional Nesterenko was selected by the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League (NHL) with the 17th pick in the sixth round, 172nd selection overall, of the 2019 NHL entry draft. Nesterenko ended his collegiate career by agreeing to a two-year, entry-level contract on March 16, 2023.

Immediately joining the rebuilding Ducks for the remainder of the season, Nesterenko made his NHL debut on March 21, 2023, against the Calgary Flames. He spent the majority of the 2023–24 season with Anaheim's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the San Diego Gulls, appearing in 70 games, scoring 16 goals and 37 points. He was recalled on April 5, 2024 and appeared in three games with Anaheim, scoring one goal, again against St. Louis. He was returned to San Diego on April 10.

A restricted free agent, he received a qualifying offer from the Ducks at the end of the 2023–24 season. Nesterenko was assigned to San Diego to start the 2024–25 season. He was recalled by the Ducks on January 1, 2025 and made his NHL season debut on January 5 against the Tampa Bay Lightning, replacing Ross Johnston in the lineup. The Ducks went on to win the game 4–1. He scored his first goal of the NHL season on January 9, tallying one in a 6–2 loss to the St. Louis Blues. He was returned to San Diego on January 24 after appearing in seven games with Anaheim, recording the one goal and two points.

On June 18, 2025, Nesterenko signed a two-year, $1.575 million contract extension with the Ducks.

Career statistics

Awards and honors Award Year USHS All-USA Hockey Third Team 2019College HE All-Rookie Team 2021 HE Rookie of the Year 2021