by Blain Potvin, Staff Writer, All Habs Hockey Magazine

HALIFAX, NS. — When Nikita Scherbak arrived in Saskatoon (Paris of the Prairies) as a WHL rookie to join the Blades, he was  unknown to many in North America, including his head coach. In addition, English was a work in progress. But none of this was going to stop Scherbak from pursuing his dream of playing in the NHL. By the end of his rookie season, Nikita had learned English, had been a top scoring WHL rookie and led the Saskatoon Blades in goals, assists and points. Also, he went from an unknown prospect to a first round NHL draft choice of the storied Montreal Canadiens.

Going into his second WHL season, the biggest question mark for Scherbak was his defensive play. In many ways, being traded in the offseason to the more competitive yet offensively starved and defensively structured Everett Silvertips coached by former NHL head coach Kevin Constantine, was exactly what he needed to improve his two way game. After a very solid performance in the Canadiens main camp, Scherbak was able to improve on his point totals, and perform admirably in the playoffs. But most importantly, his ability to play defensively and use his talents to transition to offence improved dramatically, going from a minus-6 to a plus-33.

Scherbak had shown he had developed beyond the major junior game and earned a spot with the AHL St. John’s IceCaps at the age of 19. And it was a respectable season, despite an ankle injury, the 19-year-old showed flashes of his talent. His skating and offensive abilities were on full display despite his lower than desired production. He averaged 0.47 points per game while playing on a roster depleted by the many injury call-ups to the NHL Canadiens. His defensive play was an issue but the jump between major junior and the AHL is dramatic especially for a rookie professional who only turned 20 years old in late December last season.

This upcoming season is an important one in the development of arguably the most offensively-gifted forward prospect in the system. Entering this season healthy, confident and prepared for his second season is key to his development. Allowing him to reveal his progress like the constellations one star at a time. He had a respectable showing at development camp and was awarded the Camp MVP by Trevor Timmins. This award may have been simply to provide him the added confidence he required to take the next step.

Barring a surprising jump in readiness, the 6-foot-2-inch, 195 pound winger will play on the IceCaps top line to start the season. This is a much needed step. This season, he will compliment a more talented and experienced team instead of having to learn to play center all while adjusting to professional hockey. Despite the fact that he is an exceedingly fast winger with an excellent shot and a high hockey IQ, it turned out to be simply too much to ask of a rookie who just celebrated his 20th birthday in late December.

Scherbak’s defensive game still needs refinement, and he has stated that he intends to spend the summer and next season improving his defensive skills. He is likely still another season away from being considered NHL ready and his realization of that fact is nothing but positive news for his development. Scherbak likely will need at least another full season of professional hockey at the AHL level, in which there should be considerable improvement in his all-around game.

However, of all the prospects entering camp, Scherbak may be the one wild card who can reshuffle the deck and force management’s hand. He has the talent to step up and compete alongside NHL talent. His ability to play either wing is central to this as a top nine left winger position is open to competition for the youth in the system. And while other players have a head start such as Sven Andrighetto,  Charles Hudon, Artturi Lehkonen and Daniel Carr, none have the pure offensive talent coupled with a large frame and explosive skating that Scherbak can boast.

If Scherbak can enter camp ready to work and can display a major leap forward in his defensive development, he may earn a long look to start the season, or at the very least have his name placed on the short list for injury call-ups later in the season. That is, as long as he enters camp armed with will and determination. And grace, too.