Alexander Nikishin Set for Season Debut with Hurricanes on Saturday

Alexander Nikishin is expected to make his 2026-27 season debut Saturday against Chicago after ramping up following a contract holdout. The 25-year-old blueliner signed a one-year, $3 million deal on Oct. 25 after missing training camp. Projected to skate on Carolina's third defense pairing and see time on the second power-play unit, Nikishin posted 11 goals, 33 points, 132 hits, and 94 blocks in 81 games for the Hurricanes last season.