Hurricanes News: New Developments On Nikishin Front As Trade Threats Overblown
The shocking rumors hit hard yesterday for Carolina Hurricanes fans. A report out of Russia claimed that top prospect Alexander Nikishin was unhappy with the delay in getting him signed and in the lineup, with his Russian agent calling the Hurricanes' delays 'confusing', 'frustrating' and 'defying common sense', adding that the player will ask for a trade if things are aren't resolved quickly.
Nikishin's North American agent, Ryan Barnes of Quartexx, essentially threw cold water on the rumors emanating from the player's Russian agent Alexander Chernykh, telling Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman later on Friday, “We have been working with Carolina on Alexander’s status. Our Russian partners are simply excited to see Alexander play for the Hurricanes and so are we.”
From Ryan Barnes, Nikishin’s North American-based representative: “We have been working with Carolina on Alexander’s status. Our Russian partners are simply excited to see Alexander play for the Hurricanes and so are we.” pic.twitter.com/i6deiNuJwO
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 25, 2025
Hurricanes GM says 'no concerns' with Nikishin contract
Just two days earlier, in fact, Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky said there's no concerns about getting Nikishin signed. “If we felt like we needed him on the ice in the next game, we would get the contract in and have him ready to go,” Tulsky said Wednesday. “There’s nothing getting in the way of him being able to play for us.”
#Canes GM Eric Tulsky with some clarity regarding Alexander Nikishin's contract status:
— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) April 23, 2025
At this moment, he is not signed, but the two sides have agreed to terms. If the team needed him to play tomorrow, he would be signed.
"There's nothing getting in the way of him being able… pic.twitter.com/QaOy7rwO5m
Nevertheless, Canes fans won't breathe easy until the big Russian is signed, sealed and delivered, and in the lineup.
And after the performance of Brent Burns in Carolina's 3-2 overtime loss in Game 3 to the New Jersey Devils, fans are itching for that day to come ASAP.
