Alexander Nikishin remains unsigned as Hurricanes seek a solution before the opener

Alexander Nikishin has yet to sign with the Carolina Hurricanes and will not be part of the squad for the start of their Stanley Cup title defense in the season opener against the Florida Panthers at Lenovo Center on Tuesday. The 24-year-old defenseman has been a restricted free agent since July 1 and did not take part in training camp.

As NHL reports, general manager Eric Tulsky said the sides are working to find a solution and that the club is respecting the privacy of the talks. Tulsky added that both sides are trying to figure out how to move forward and that he will not speak to the media about discussions held in private.

Nikishin played a key role as a rookie last season, with 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists), a plus/minus of +18 and an average of 18:11 minutes per game. During the playoffs he played 17 games, recording one assist and averaging 14:50 of ice time. Carolina won the Stanley Cup by beating the Vegas Golden Knights in six games — the franchise’s first championship since 2006.

Media reports have said Nikishin requested a trade and changed agents, hiring Paul Theofanous. The Hurricanes, meanwhile, have brought back their five other defensemen: Jalen Chatfield, Shayne Gostisbehere, K’Andre Miller, Jaccob Slavin and Sean Walker. Competing for the vacant lineup spot appear to be rookie Charles Alexis Legault and veteran Mike Reilly. Reilly played 42 games in the 2025-26 regular season with nine points (one goal, eight assists) and added two assists in two playoff games; Legault, 23, split the season between Carolina and Chicago in the AHL, with two points in 12 games for the Hurricanes and eight points in the AHL.

The team must make decisions before the season starts and set its lineup for the Florida game; according to NHL, talks over Nikishin’s future continue and the club is seeking a suitable resolution before the games begin.