RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Hurricanes have officially signed Alexander Nikishin, a highly regarded prospect, to a two-year entry-level contract that is effective immediately. Nikishin, 23, secured his first NHL contract shortly after parting ways with his KHL team, SKA Saint Petersburg. SKA also recently terminated a contract with Montreal’s Ivan Demidov.
Hurricanes General Manager Eric Tulsky expressed appreciation for Nikishin’s time with SKA, acknowledging the role the premier European hockey franchise played in his development into a top prospect in the sport. Tulsky highlighted Nikishin’s size and skill that have led to a remarkable career in the KHL, expressing confidence in his potential impact in the NHL.
Although the exact timeline for Nikishin’s arrival with the Hurricanes is uncertain, the team is currently positioned in second place in the Metropolitan Division, setting up a first-round matchup against New Jersey. Nikishin, who served as captain of SKA in the previous season, recorded 46 points in 61 games and holds the franchise record for the most points among defensemen.
Selected by Carolina in the third round of the 2020 draft, Nikishin played a key role in Russia’s journey to the Olympic final in Beijing in 2022. His contract with the Hurricanes carries an annual value of $832,500, prorated for the current season, and includes a signing bonus of $185,000.
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