Carolina Hurricanes Sign Alexander Nikishin to One-Year Deal

The Carolina Hurricanes have officially signed defenceman Alexander Nikishin to a one-year contract worth $3 million, marking the end of his restricted free agency. This announcement was made on Sunday, following Nikishin's absence from the first 12 games of the season.

At 25 years old, Nikishin became a restricted free agent after completing a two-year entry-level contract. His contract negotiations with the Hurricanes stalled during the off-season, leading him to request a trade and miss the team's training camp in September. In the previous season, he scored 11 goals and recorded 33 points over 81 regular-season games, contributing to the team's Stanley Cup victory.

Nikishin was drafted by the Hurricanes in the third round of the 2020 NHL Draft and joined the team in the 2024-25 season after playing three years in Russia's KHL. Despite his absence, the Hurricanes have maintained a strong start to the season with an 8-2-2 record, currently leading the Metropolitan Division.