Nikita Popugaev lived up to the hype last season during his rookie year with the Moose Jaw Warriors.

Coming in as a highly touted Import Draft pick, the Warriors got just what they expected out of the big power forward last season and now they’re hoping for Popugaev to take the next step during his sophomore year.

Popugaev arrived in Moose Jaw last week, one week ahead of training camp, and has started skating with his teammates in preparation for the 2016-17 WHL campaign.

“I’m glad to be here again and I’m looking forward to the start of the season,” said the Moscow product.

“The team will be better this season, I’m sure all the guys had really good summer, lots of rest and gym and will be ready for the season.”

During his rookie season, Popugaev potted 16 goals and 47 points in 70 games, but he did a lot of his scoring early in the season, including six goals and 17 points in the first 13 games.

Heading into his draft year this year, Popugaev is focused on putting together a consistent and big year for the Tribe.

Popugaev enters this season projected as, at least, a top-20 pick in next year’s NHL Draft.

The 18-year-old had offseason knee surgery to clean up damage done from a hit in the Warriors’ first round series against the Prince Albert Raiders, which caused him miss all of that series before returning to play in all five games against Brandon.

Popugaev said he’s feeling good after the surgery and is ready to go for training camp.

“It was so hard for me,” said Popugaev on dealing with the injury during the offseason. “Lots of gym for my knee so it’s getting stronger.”

This season will also see Popugaev have a fellow Russian in the lineup with the Warriors after the team selected defenceman Dmitri Zaitsev in the CHL Import Draft.

Popugaev and Zaitsev know each other from their time together on the Under-16 and Under-17 Russian national teams. They’ve kept in contact since the Import Draft and travelled over to Canada from Russia together last week.

After getting home sick at times last season, Popugaev said that having Zaitsev here this season will help him stay focused on the ice.

“He’s a very nice guy and a good player, so very happy,” said Popugaev. “Sometimes it’s hard to be here because we’re so far away.”

The Warriors open training camp on Thursday at Mosaic Place. The team’s annual Black and White Intrasquad Game goes on Sunday.