2025 Stats
G
11
A
22
PP Pts
10
+/-
18
PIM
33
2026 Projections
#
Overall
Signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Hurricanes in April of 2025.
Bags apple in Game 5 win
Nikishin logged an assist, two PIM and a plus-3 rating in Friday's 6-1 win over the Canadiens in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
ANALYSIS
Nikishin got on the scoresheet for the first time this postseason with the helper on Logan Stankoven's first-period tally. Through 11 outings, Nikishin has added eight shots on net, 14 hits, seven blocked shots and a plus-2 rating. The 24-year-old defenseman has mostly played sheltered minutes on the third pairing throughout the postseason. Nikishin managed 58 seconds of power-play ice time in Game 5, which marked the first time he's skated with the man advantage since Game 3 versus the Flyers in the second round.
Nikishin got on the scoresheet for the first time this postseason with the helper on Logan Stankoven's first-period tally. Through 11 outings, Nikishin has added eight shots on net, 14 hits, seven blocked shots and a plus-2 rating. The 24-year-old defenseman has mostly played sheltered minutes on the third pairing throughout the postseason. Nikishin managed 58 seconds of power-play ice time in Game 5, which marked the first time he's skated with the man advantage since Game 3 versus the Flyers in the second round.
NHL Stats
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2025 NHL Game Log
2025
2024
2025 NHL Game Log
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2025–26 Time On Ice Stats
- Average Time On Ice: 18:11
- Average Power Play TOI: 1:26
- Average Short-Handed TOI: 1:05
Ice Time
Power Play
Short-Handed
2025–26
18:11
1:26
1:05
Hurricanes Depth Chart
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2025 Fantasy Outlook
Widely regarded as one of the top defensive prospects in the game, Nikishin is favored to grab an everyday roster spot with the Hurricanes out of training camp. He brings an enviable blend of 6-foot-4 size and immense offensive gifts. The 23-year-old debuted in the postseason last year, and it was a bit rocky as he finished with just one assist and a minus-5 rating. That shouldn't deter fantasy managers considering his crazy production at KHL St. Petersburg, registering 45 goals and 112 assists in 173 regular-season games. His role to start the season might be a bit more sheltered, but don't be surprised if he is playing heavily in the top four and quarterbacking Carolina's top power-play unit by the end of the year. His point-production potential is sky-high, but it's usually hard for rookie defenseman to get adjusted, which potentially lowers his floor.
More Fantasy News
Moves past concussion
Nikishin (concussion) has been cleared to play in Game 3 versus the Flyers on Thursday, Chip Alexander of The Raleigh News & Observer reports Tuesday.
ANALYSIS
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Not expected to play in Game 2
Nikishin (concussion) isn't expected to play in Monday's Game 2 against the Flyers, Chip Alexander of The Raleigh News & Observer reports.
ANALYSIS
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Not ready for Game 1
Nikishin (concussion) won't be in the lineup for Game 1 of the second round versus the Flyers on Saturday, Ryan Henkel of The Hockey News reports.
ANALYSIS
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Set to be game-time call
Nikishin (concussion) appears poised to be a game-time decision against Philadelphia on Saturday in Game 1, Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
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Cleared for contact
Nikishin (concussion) wore a regular jersey during Friday's practice session, Ryan Henkel of The Hockey News reports.
ANALYSIS
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Possible trade candidate
The Hurricanes are believed to be testing the trade market for Nikishin, Darren Dreger of TSN reports Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Nikishin had 11 goals, 33 points, 33 PIM, 132 hits and 94 blocks in 81 regular-season outings in 2025-26 as a rookie. He also registered an assist in 17 playoff appearances this year. The 24-year-old has completed his entry-level contract and can become a restricted free agent in July. Although the Hurricanes are exploring their options, they might still opt to re-sign him if the potential trade return isn't appealing. Carolina's cap situation isn't ideal, which is presumably why the squad is considering trading Nikishin in the first place. However, the Hurricanes have enough wiggle room to make a new contract work.
Nikishin had 11 goals, 33 points, 33 PIM, 132 hits and 94 blocks in 81 regular-season outings in 2025-26 as a rookie. He also registered an assist in 17 playoff appearances this year. The 24-year-old has completed his entry-level contract and can become a restricted free agent in July. Although the Hurricanes are exploring their options, they might still opt to re-sign him if the potential trade return isn't appealing. Carolina's cap situation isn't ideal, which is presumably why the squad is considering trading Nikishin in the first place. However, the Hurricanes have enough wiggle room to make a new contract work.