Hurricanes sign Nikishin to one-year, $3 million deal to end stalemate
Carolina announced the agreement Sunday after the defenceman missed the start of the season as an unsigned restricted free agent.
The Carolina Hurricanes signed Alexander Nikishin to a one-year contract worth $3 million for the 2026-27 season on Sunday, ending the defenceman’s wait for a deal.
Nikishin had not played this season after becoming a restricted free agent on July 1. RotoWire reported that the contract dispute kept him out of Carolina’s first 13 games.
General manager Eric Tulsky welcomed his return in the club’s announcement, saying the negotiations had taken time and that Carolina expected him to contribute again.
Nikishin finished his rookie regular season with 11 goals and 22 assists in 81 games. He was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team and added one assist in 17 playoff games during Carolina’s Stanley Cup run.
The deal settles his contract status, but the announcement did not set a date for his season debut.
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