It's Official: Alexander Nikishin Departs SKA, Joins Hurricanes

Friday, April 11, 2025

As Demidov-Mania hits Montreal, another Russian phenom is also on his way to the NHL. SKA St. Petersburg has also officially terminated its contract with Alexander Nikishin, and he is joining the Carolina Hurricanes. 

Nikishin was the Hurricanes' third-round selection (#69 overall) in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, but has spent the last five years in the KHL, first at Moscow Spartak for a couple of years, and then with SKA for the last three seasons.  

Now, at 23, having paid his dues in Russia, the big (6'4") elite defenseman is finally coming to make his mark in North America. He's a true dominant force on the blueline, posting 157 points in 193 games at St. Petersburg, with a plus/minus rating of +70, while using his imposing size to punish opposing skaters as well. 

In an exclusive interview with RG.org, Nikishin said, “It still doesn’t feel real that I’m actually going to the NHL. I think when I arrive, it’ll feel like a dream. I’m really looking forward to this next chapter in my life.”

As of Friday morning, he was still hoping to resolve his visa issues to arrive in time to get into some of the Canes' final regular season games.

“If it were possible, I’d be ready to play tomorrow,” Nikishin told RG Friday morning. “If it works out, I’d be thrilled and would give it everything I’ve got.”

The report also indicates that Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour "would like to get Nikishin into at least one regular-season game in order to use the young player in the playoffs."

“I know the competition is serious, but I’m ready,” Nikishin said. “I’m coming to the NHL with the mindset that I have to start from scratch. And I think I’m well prepared for that. SKA got me ready. I’m thankful to the club, the staff, and head coach Roman Rotenberg for everything they’ve done for me.”

The Canes have four games left before the playoffs, and in their penultimate game, if Nikishin is cleared in time, he could get to face his former SKA teammate, Ivan Demidov as Carolina takes on the Montreal Canadiens. 

 

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