As they prepare to raise a Stanley Cup banner, the Carolina Hurricanes are still hoping to resolve a contract dispute with defenseman Alexander Nikishin.
The 24-year-old restricted free agent did not report to training camp after making a trade request this summer.
General manager Eric Tulsky discussed the stalemate Monday, one day before the defending champions open the 2026-27 regular season against the Florida Panthers in Raleigh, N.C.
“We’re trying to find a resolution,” Tulsky said. “He has largely kept things out of the media, and I want to be respectful and make sure that when players talk to me, they know it’s between us. So, if they’re not talking to the media, I’m not going to either. Both sides are trying to find a resolution and figure out how to go forward from here.”
Nikishin, who turns 25 on Friday, recorded 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) and a plus-18 rating in 81 games during his rookie season in 2025-26. He added one assist in 17 games in the playoffs.
Tulsky was asked how Nikishin’s recent change in agents affects the process. He is now represented by Paul Theofanous of TMI LLC, according to ESPN.
“It doesn’t change our position any. I doubt it changes his,” Tulsky said. “It brings a new voice into the room, and maybe that helps us find a resolution. I don’t know. Ultimately, we both understand where the other side is and are trying to resolve it.”
Carolina drafted Nikishin in the third round in 2020.
Sportnet reported last week that there was nearly a deal in place to trade Nikishin to the New York Rangers. The St. Louis Blues and Nashville Predators have also expressed interest, per reports.
