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.
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
Now that he's moved past the concussion he sustained in the first round against Ottawa, Nikishin will more than likely link back up with Shayne Gostisbehere on the third pairing. Mike Reilly will come out of the lineup due to Nikishin being an option for Game 3. The 24-year-old Nikishin recorded six hits and five blocked shots while averaging 16:30 of ice time over four games against the Senators in the first round.
Now that he's moved past the concussion he sustained in the first round against Ottawa, Nikishin will more than likely link back up with Shayne Gostisbehere on the third pairing. Mike Reilly will come out of the lineup due to Nikishin being an option for Game 3. The 24-year-old Nikishin recorded six hits and five blocked shots while averaging 16:30 of ice time over four games against the Senators in the first 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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More Fantasy News
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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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
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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.