NHLYesterday
Hurricanes Agree to One-Year Pact with Defenseman Nikishin
The team ends a prolonged negotiation by signing the restricted free agent to a short-term deal that keeps him in the fold after a Stanley Cup-winning season.
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Contract Resolution
The Hurricanes reached a one-year agreement worth $3M with 25-year-old defenseman Alexander Nikishin, bringing an end to the extended impasse that began after July 1. The Russian blue-liner had remained unsigned through training camp and the opening weeks of the regular season while seeking a larger role and raise following the team's championship run.
Player Background
Selected in the third round of the 2020 draft, Nikishin established himself as a top performer in the KHL before arriving in North America in 2025. Last season he appeared in 81 regular-season games as a rookie and added 17 more during the playoffs, where he averaged 15:50 of ice time per game.
Team Outlook
General manager Eric Tulsky expressed satisfaction that Nikishin will rejoin the group and contribute as he did during the title-winning campaign. The short-term contract allows both sides additional time to assess his long-term role, with the player set to become offer-sheet eligible next summer while still classified as a restricted free agent.
Season Start
Carolina has opened its title defense with a 9-2-2 record despite missing forwards Taylor Hall and captain Jordan Staal. Seth Jarvis, who had surgery in the offseason, returned to the lineup last week.
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