RALEIGH, N.C. — Alexander Nikishin remained unsigned on Monday as the Carolina Hurricanes prepared to open their Stanley Cup title defence, with general manager Eric Tulsky saying the club was still trying to resolve the defenceman’s future.
Nikishin, a restricted free agent, did not attend training camp and had requested a trade during the offseason. Carolina begins its regular season at home against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday without a completed agreement bringing him back into the lineup.
“We’re trying to find a resolution,” Tulsky said during Monday’s media availability, according to ESPN. “But we don’t know when it comes.”
The impasse has carried through the entire preparation period for a team otherwise returning much of its championship roster. Tulsky had announced before camp that Nikishin would not participate while he remained without a contract.
Coach Rod Brind’Amour said at that time that the team had to prepare with the players available to it. His position left the negotiations with management while the coaching staff assembled its combinations for the season.
Nikishin produced 11 goals and 33 points in 81 regular-season games in 2025–26. He added one assist in 17 playoff appearances during Carolina’s run to the championship, following his initial NHL introduction in the previous postseason.
The 24-year-old was selected in the third round of the 2020 draft and spent several seasons in the KHL before moving to North America. His first full NHL year established him as a regular contributor, but a crowded Carolina defence limited the scope for a larger role.
ESPN reported that Nikishin changed agents last week, moving from Benjamin Kreyzerman to Paul Theofanous. Tulsky said the change brought another voice into discussions without changing the organization’s position.
There has also been reported trade interest, but no completed move had been announced on Monday morning. A possible transaction and a new contract therefore remain unresolved parts of the same situation.
For the Hurricanes, opening night will arrive before the dispute is settled unless the sides reach a late agreement. Their preparations continue with Nikishin’s place on the roster still uncertain.
Read the complete report
This page is an original Sporting Page summary. The reporting remains with ESPN via ABC11.
Read at ESPN via ABC11
