The Carolina Hurricanes have officially signed 23-year-old defenseman Alexander Nikishin to a two-year entry-level contract following the termination of his KHL deal with SKA Saint Petersburg. Known for his size and skill, Nikishin had an impressive season, recording 46 points in 61 games and becoming the all-time leading scorer among defensemen for SKA. His strong performance in the KHL and as captain has led Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky to anticipate that he will be a significant impact player in the NHL.

Although Nikishin's arrival date in Raleigh remains uncertain, the Hurricanes have secured their playoff position, preparing for a first-round matchup against the New Jersey Devils. With Nikishin's potential and the team's current form, his integration into the roster could bolster their chances in the postseason.

The Carolina Hurricanes have secured top prospect Alexander Nikishin with a two-year entry-level contract, effective immediately. The 23-year-old defenseman recently parted ways with SKA Saint Petersburg of the KHL, where he served as captain and became the franchise's all-time leading scorer among defensemen. His impressive performance of 46 points in 61 games last season underscores his potential as a significant asset for the Hurricanes.

General Manager Eric Tulsky expressed optimism about Nikishin's capabilities, linking his success in the KHL to his size and skill set. With the Hurricanes currently enjoying a solid position in the Metropolitan Division, discussions around when Nikishin will make his NHL debut remain ongoing. Drafted in the third round in 2020, his experience includes a notable run with the Russian Olympic Committee team during the Beijing 2022 Olympics.

The Montreal Canadiens made headlines after selecting Ivan Demidov with the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, leading to the cancellation of two notable trades. One involved the Chicago Blackhawks attempting to trade an unprotected 2026 first-round pick to the Columbus Blue Jackets, who opted for Cayden Lindstrom instead. Another trade involving Canadiens' discussions with the Anaheim Ducks about Trevor Zegras also fell through, likely due to the Canadiens' renewed focus on Demidov.

The Carolina Hurricanes are in continuous talks with Alexander Nikishin’s representatives, while the New Jersey Devils aim to secure Arseny Gritsyuk with a one-year contract. Coaching changes within the league are on the horizon as well, especially regarding the Tampa Bay Lightning, whose recent first-round pick Isaac Howard will be returning to Michigan State next season. With Houston likely to be the next expansion city, the NHL is contemplating a careful approach to maintain talent distribution.

The Carolina Hurricanes are in negotiations to bring Alexander Nikishin over from SKA, where he is currently under contract until June 1st. Unlike Ivan Demidov, who recently terminated his contract to join the Montreal Canadiens, Nikishin, being an older player who has already established himself, holds more leverage in the negotiations for an early release. The Hurricanes are optimistic about finalizing a contract with him in order to add his talents to their roster this season.

Meanwhile, Ivan Demidov's potential debut with the Canadiens is being closely monitored. He has reportedly left Moscow and is in the process of finalizing paperwork in Istanbul before heading to Canada. While the Canadiens are not rushing his integration into the lineup, Demidov is expected to make an impact given his strong performance in the KHL, where he led his team in scoring last season.

The Carolina Hurricanes are closely monitoring KHL prospect Alexander Nikishin, as coach Rod Brind’Amour expressed uncertainty about the ongoing negotiations for his move to the NHL. Despite the team's interest, no discussions have been initiated regarding his transition, primarily due to visa complications arising from recent changes in regulations affecting Russian players. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers, now in a rebuilding phase after parting ways with coach John Tortorella, are exploring options to leverage their surplus draft picks, which include three first-round and four second-round selections, to enhance their current roster.