I reached to Nikita Scherbak, the Montreal Canadiens’ first round draft pick (26th overall) in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft to give him the chance to tell us more about him. Traded from Saskatoon to Everett before last season, the 19-year-old right winger scored 27 goals and 55 assists for 82 points in 65 games to go along with 60 penalty minutes and a +33 rating. Now that his junior stage is over, the 6’2”, 195-lb native of Moscow, Russia is hoping to stick with the Habs in training camp.

1. You were traded from the Saskatoon Blades to the Everett Silvertips at the beginning of the season. How well did you adapt to your new team and new city?

I didn’t expect to be traded, I was a little bit upset the first couple days, but after you know I was enjoying the team in Everett. It’s a good group of guys there, and pretty cool city.

2. You finished the season with 27 goals, 82 points and a +33 rating. Can you say that you are now a more complete player who can shoot, pass and play well on defense after playing for a demanding head coach like Kevin Constantine?

Of course for sure, I think Kevin help me a lot this year to get really better on my defensive game, so I think I am really better in my own zone.

3. You had a solid playoff run with 8 points in 11 games with the Silvertips. What did you learn from your first (and last) junior playoffs?

Well, it was really tough you know, Spokane was a really good team in the first round, we were having a war! They were physical and fast so it was really hard to win the series. Against Portland I think we didn’t play our best hockey, that’s why we lost the series.

4. The Canadiens drafted your teammate Noah Juulsen in the first round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. What can you tell us about his personality? What kind of person is he off the ice?

Well, I am actually so happy and so pumped,  because he was my teammate, and I am proud of him. He is a really good kid, he knows when you can have fun off the ice, but when the game coming, he is really focusing on his game and he is really good kid, I like him a lot. We were pretty good friends, and I think we will still be.

5. What is your game-day routine? Do you take a nap before the game or have a special meal?

Well it is a pretty usual day I think, I am not taking nap before games, I don’t like be kind of sleepy. I like pierogis and sausage before game.

6. If you had to compare your style of play to a NHL star, what player would it be and why?

I think Evgeni Malkin, because he is big and dynamical player, a good playmaker, a good skater and he has a good shot.

7. Can you tell us about your summer training? What is a typical training day for you?

I am working out pretty much every day and it’s different things we are doing in gym, but I like it a lot and I am thinking I am getting bigger and stronger than last year.

8. Do you go back to your family in Moscow in the summer or do you stay in North America?

No, I didn’t as I am staying in Calgary for the summer, working out and trying to be ready for the season.

9. You will in all likelihood make your professional debut as a 19-year-old player in the American Hockey League next September. What are your goals for next season?

I am so excited for the next season! Can’t wait and my goal obviously to try make the big team.

10. Finally, do you think you are ready physically and mentally to make the jump to the NHL with the Canadiens next season?

I think I have good chance for that, I will try my best!

Cliquez ici pour la version française de l’entrevue.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions for rabidhabs.com.