Alexander Nikishin
Defenseman · Carolina Hurricanes
2020 Draft, Rd 3 Pick 7 (#69) — Carolina Hurricanes
Current Season
GP
65
Goals
9
Assists
16
Points
25
+/-
+13
S%
8.8%
Career Stats
Contract
Cap Hit
$925K
Total Value
$1.85M
Expires
2 yrs · 2025-2026
Status
Then RFA
via PuckPedia
Recent Stories
Alexander Nikishin grabs a power-play tally on a 5-on-3 against Pittsburgh, finishing Sebastian Aho's feed to etch his name in Hurricanes lore as the first rookie defenseman with nine goals in a season. Coaches hand him bigger responsibilities amid injuries to guys like Shayne Gostisbehere and Jaccob Slavin, thrusting the 24-year-old KHL import into prime-time minutes on the third pair.
K'Andre Miller, wait no-Nikishin buries one during a juicy 5-on-3 advantage, giving his squad the upper hand in a key matchup. Power-play specialists like him thrive in these lopsided situations, and coaches live for these conversions late in the year. His finish highlights why special teams tilt so many tight games this time of season.
The Hurricanes face a high-stakes crossroads with Alexander Nikishin's next contract after his breakout rookie season lights up the blueline. GM Eric Tulsky weighs bridge deals around $4-5 million or a longer seven-year commitment pushing $8 million, all while trade rumors swirl ahead of the deadline. Teams covet the Russian star's size, skill, and analytics edge, but Carolina holds the cards with cap space and picks to chase a superstar instead.