Nikita Novikov

Nikita Vadimovich Novikov (; born 25 July 2003) is a Russian professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently on trial with HC Dynamo Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).

Playing career Novikov was drafted in the sixth round, 188th overall, by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2021 NHL entry draft. He made his professional debut for Dynamo Moscow in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) during the 2021–22 season.

Following his second season in the KHL in 2022–23, having appeared in a career high 62 regular season games and recording 5 points from the blueline, Novikov was signed to a three-year, entry-level contract with the Buffalo Sabres on 19 May 2023.

During the 2025–26 season, in his third season with the Sabres affiliate, the Rochester Americans, having registered 6 goals and 18 points through 50 appearances, Novikov was loaned by the Sabres to the Ontario Reign of the AHL for the remainder of the season on 9 March 2026.

Leaving the Sabres organization as a free agent following the conclusion of his entry-level contract, Novikov returned to Russia, initially re-joining his original club, Dyanmo Moscow on trial, on 22 July 2026.

International play Novikov represented Russia at the 2021 IIHF World U18 Championships where he recorded five assists in seven games and won a silver medal. He played for Russia at the 2022 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.

Career statistics Regular season and playoffs Regular season Playoffs Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM 2019–20 MHC Dynamo Moscow MHL 35 4 7 11 24 4 0 0 0 4 2020–21 MHC Dynamo Moscow MHL 52 4 10 14 61 4 0 0 0 2 2021–22 MHC Dynamo Moscow MHL 6 1 3 4 0 — — — — — 2021–22 Dynamo Moscow KHL 32 1 3 4 6 9 0 1 1 0 2022–23 Dynamo Moscow KHL 62 2 3 5 14 6 0 0 0 0 2023–24 Rochester Americans AHL 65 3 20 23 42 5 0 2 2 0 2024–25 Rochester Americans AHL 68 6 14 20 52 8 0 2 2 4 2025–26 Rochester Americans AHL 50 6 12 18 44 — — — — — 2025–26 Ontario Reign AHL 14 0 2 2 8 5 0 0 0 2 KHL totals 94 3 6 9 20 15 0 1 1 0

International Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM 2021 Russia U18 7 0 5 5 4 Junior totals 7 0 5 5 4