A New Player to Introduce for the Calgary Flames: Nikita Okhotiuk

The Calgary Flames team and fans have a new member to meet, Nikita Okhotiuk who was traded from San Jose Sharks to Calgary Flames for a 2024 conditional 5th round pick. The condition stems from a previous trade (when Nikita Zadarov came from Chicago Blackhawks) and San Jose Sharks (SJS) will receive the better of the two 2024 5th round picks that Chicago owns.

Nikita Okhotiuk, started his hockey career in 2015-16 with the Russia U16 league for the team called 'Traktor Chelyabinsk U16' where he recorded 17 points (5 goals and 12 assists) in the 35 games he played.

He become a part of the NHL when he first played for the New Jersey Devils in the 2021-22 season and then played for Utica Comets - AHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils, before heading to the San Jose Sharks and their affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda.

Nikita Okhotiuk was born on December 4th 2000, currently aged 23. Hometown in Chelyabinsk, Russia. He was drafted in 2019, New Jersey Devils (61st overall), 2nd round pick and 30th pick. He is a left-shot defenceman.

""I love to play a simple game. Defending the net, not get scored on. Play physical if I have the chance and play hard. Do whatever it takes to help the team win" "

- Nikita Okhotiuk during Flames interview.

This great surge in confidence and the motivation to help the team overall is fantastic. Nikita Okhotiuk could be a great asset for the team. Nikita Okhotiuk was acquired to add depth to the blue-line defense after Chris Tanev (to Dallas Stars) and Noah Hanifin (to Vegas Golden Knights) were traded.

The plan is for him to play with the Calgary Flames team when he is ready for the system as he is excited and waiting to play as he his familiar with a few faces.

""We (him and Yegor Sharangovich) were pretty close (in New Jersey), he called m[e] not that long ago to welcome me and I know Kuzmenko and from the Wranglers Ilya Nikolaev, as well" "

- Nikita Okhotiuk during Flames interview.

With that excitement coming from a player who just got added in to the team, Flames fans buckle up to see what Nikita can bring to the team, as the Flames continue their season post the trade deadline season.

Read here, more about the interview with Nikita Okhotiuk and the Flames.