Happy New Year, Caniacs! As we welcome 2025 with open arms, there's a new countdown that can get started. The arrival of Russian defenseman Alexander Nikishin has been highly anticipated for years. With his contract expected to expire at the end of the current KHL season, Nikishin could be a Hurricane soon.
The pick the Hurricanes used to draft Nikishin with in the third round in 2020 was acquired as part of the Jeff Skinner deal with Buffalo. This is the same trade that allowed them to draft Pyotr Kochetkov in the second round in 2019. If you've never taken the time to watch some of his highlights, do yourself a favor and check them out. He features an NHL-ready shot and a physical game that rivals some of the league's best.
During the offseason, Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky appeared confident that Nikishin would be in the lineup at some point at the end of this season. SKA St. Petersburg's final regular-season game is on March 22nd, though they are currently positioned to compete for the Gagarin Cup. Assuming they are eliminated early in the playoffs, Nikishin could, theoretically, sign with the Canes and appear by the season's end.
Listed at 6'4" and affectionately known as "Boom", Nikishin's production has been through the roof since being traded to SKA St. Petersburg in 2022. Nikishin has led all defensemen in the league in points over the last two seasons, scoring 55 and 56 points, respectively. His numbers are down a little this season, posting 20 points in 36 games thus far. Once he does make the move, Nikishin figures to be a large presence. The left-shot defenseman can quarterback a power play, lay the lumber, and get the job done on both ends of the ice.
Even if we have to wait until the start of next season to witness the arrival of Alexander Nikishin, it will have been well worth the wait. This is a player we've been waiting to see in North America for years. No matter how long it takes, Canes fans will be rewarded for their patience once Nikishin puts on the crest. That moment feels a lot closer now as we begin 2025.