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Hurricanes expect Alexander Nikishin to make season debut against Blackhawks

The Carolina defenceman worked with Shayne Gostisbehere at Saturday’s morning skate and took reps on the second power-play unit.

Alexander Nikishin is in line to play his first game of the season Saturday when the Carolina Hurricanes host the Chicago Blackhawks at Lenovo Center at 8 p.m. ET. Coach Rod Brind’Amour said after the morning skate that he planned to play Nikishin if everything checked out.

The 25-year-old defenceman skated with Shayne Gostisbehere and practised with Carolina’s second power-play unit. He signed a one-year, $3 million contract on Oct. 25 and has spent the time since getting up to game speed.

Nikishin made the NHL All-Rookie Team last season after recording 11 goals and 22 assists in 81 regular-season games.

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