NHL

Canes Corner: Will Alexander Nikishin Finally Make the Jump to the NHL This Year?

by
Wesley Frankel
February 17, 2025

A Rising Star in the KHL

Alexander Nikishin, a highly regarded defensive prospect for the Carolina Hurricanes, is approaching one of the most pivotal moments in his young hockey career. The 23-year-old Russian defenseman has been an exceptional talent for SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL for the last three years, breaking rookie records as well as defenseman records in his time with the squad. His contract is set to expire on June 1, 2025.

Dominating the KHL

Nikishin’s performance in the KHL has been nothing short of amazing to watch. Nicknamed “BOOM,” the big Russian defenseman amassed 56 points in the 2023-24 KHL season. Additionally, he serves as the captain of SKA St. Petersburg, a true testament to his leadership on and off the ice.

Carolina’s Interest and Future Plans

The Carolina Hurricanes have expressed strong interest in bringing Nikishin over to the NHL. General Manager Eric Tulsky has indicated that the plan is to sign him to his entry-level deal once his KHL obligations have been fulfilled. This move aligns with the Hurricanes’ strategy, especially as the team looks to manage their salary cap while negotiating extensions with key players such as Mikko Rantanen.

Will He Make the Move?

Despite the anticipation, Nikishin remains focused on his current team’s pursuit of the Gagarin Cup, with no real public commitment to transitioning to the NHL. In a recent interview, Nikishin stated,

“I have no idea what’s going to happen even a month from now. Thinking that far ahead is just asking to be laughed at.”

When Could Nikishin Arrive in the NHL?

As the 2024-25 KHL season progresses, the timeline for Nikishin’s potential arrival becomes clearer. If SKA St. Petersburg’s playoff run concludes before the NHL season ends, there is a good chance he joins the Canes late into the current NHL season. However, if his team’s campaign extends deeper into the playoffs, his NHL debut may have to wait until the 2025-26 season.

Conclusion

While the Hurricanes are eager to bring Nikishin over to their roster, his immediate focus remains with SKA St. Petersburg. The exact timing of his NHL arrival will depend on his current commitments and subsequent contractual agreements.