Day-To-Day
Injury Concussion
Est. Return 5/3/2026
2025 Stats
G
11
A
22
PP Pts
10
+/-
18
PIM
33
ROS Projections
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. Read Past Outlooks
#
Overall
Signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Hurricanes in April of 2025.
Diagnosed with concussion
Nikishin was officially diagnosed with a concussion suffered during Saturday's 4-2 win over the Senators, the Hurricanes announced Sunday.
ANALYSIS
The injury was suffered after a massive open-ice hit thrown by Tyler Kleven. With his diagnosis, the 24-year-old will now have to clear the NHL's concussion protocol in order to return to the ice. The good news for him is that the Hurricanes dispatched the Senators in a sweep, so the team will have some time off as they await their second-round matchup, giving the young defenseman a chance to not miss a game. Nikishin finished with no points and was a plus-1 rating in the four games against the Senators.
The injury was suffered after a massive open-ice hit thrown by Tyler Kleven. With his diagnosis, the 24-year-old will now have to clear the NHL's concussion protocol in order to return to the ice. The good news for him is that the Hurricanes dispatched the Senators in a sweep, so the team will have some time off as they await their second-round matchup, giving the young defenseman a chance to not miss a game. Nikishin finished with no points and was a plus-1 rating in the four games against the Senators.
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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Hurricanes Power Play Depth Chart
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More Fantasy News
Suffers injury Saturday
Nikishin (upper body) won't return to Saturday's Game 4 matchup against Ottawa.
ANALYSIS
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Makes franchise history in win
Nikishin scored a shorthanded goal and added three hits Thursday in a 5-1 win over the Blue Jackets.
ANALYSIS
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Pots game-winner in overtime
Nikishin scored a goal on four shots and added two PIM in Friday's 4-3 overtime win over the Maple Leafs.
ANALYSIS
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Two points against Pens
Nikishin scored a power-play goal and added an even-strength assist in Tuesday's 5-4 shootout win over Pittsburgh.
ANALYSIS
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Strikes on power play in loss
Nikishin scored a power-play goal, added two hits and blocked two shots in Saturday's 5-4 loss to the Flames.
ANALYSIS
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Set to sign with club
Nikishin's contract with SKA St. Petersburg was terminated Friday, clearing the way for him to sign with the Hurricanes immediately, Cory Lavalette of the North State Journal reports.
ANALYSIS
Nikishin's deal with SKA was set to expire in June regardless, but the mutual termination will allow him to link up with Carolina ahead of the postseason. The termination isn't a complete loss for SKA as it allows the KHL club to maintain Nikishin's player rights should he ever return. In 61 regular-season games this year, the 23-year-old defenseman registered 17 goals and 29 helpers but missed the 50-point threshold for the first time since 2021-22 when he was with Spartak Moscow.
Nikishin's deal with SKA was set to expire in June regardless, but the mutual termination will allow him to link up with Carolina ahead of the postseason. The termination isn't a complete loss for SKA as it allows the KHL club to maintain Nikishin's player rights should he ever return. In 61 regular-season games this year, the 23-year-old defenseman registered 17 goals and 29 helpers but missed the 50-point threshold for the first time since 2021-22 when he was with Spartak Moscow.