Canadiens sign first round pick Nikita Scherbak to a three-year contract

Montreal Canadiens Media Release

MONTREAL (July 21, 2014) – Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin, announced today the signing of 2014 first round pick Nikita Scherbak to a three-year, entry level contract (2014-15 to 2016-17).

In 65 regular season games with the WHL Saskatoon Blades in 2013-14, the 6’2’’ and 189 lbs forward collected 78 points (28 goals, 50 assists), and was assessed 46 penalty minutes. Scherbak led his team in goals, assists and points (35 points ahead of the team’s runner-up in scoring), as well as powerplay goals (8). He also led all WHL rookies in scoring by a 19-point margin. Scherbak was the WHL Eastern Conference finalist for Rookie of the Year.

A native of Moscow, Russia, Scherbak played for Team Russia in the 2013 Subway Super Series – playing for the first time on the international stage while representing his country. He also participated in the 2014 BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. Prior to joining the Blades, Scherbak played in the Russian MHL U-22 League with the Kapitan Stupino team, posting seven goals and 14 points as a 16-year old in 2012-13.

The 18-year old right winger was selected in the first round, 26th overall by the Canadiens at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. He participated in his first development camp with the Canadiens earlier this month.