The Hurricanes dressed Alexander Nikishin for warmups before game four, leading to some speculation about his possible future playing status
Carolina’s top prospect, Alexander Nikishin, rushed as best he could to join the Hurricanes after his season was over with SKA of the KHL.
He even spent some time in Turkey waiting as they tried to expedite his Visa paperwork.
The team was hoping the star blueliner could make it stateside in time to play in a couple of regular season-ending games for them.
When that time came and passed, they hoped he might be able to play a bit for the Chicago Wolves during their postseason. When the Wolves were eliminated, that chance was also lost.
Since he arrived, he has been practicing with the team and getting acclimated with the help of his Russian teammates.
Much has been made about his inability to speak much English and effort has been made to alleviate this issue.
I took the following picture in the Carolina locker room after the game three, 4-0 win over the Capitals.
Nikishin seems to be communicating with Carolina owner, Tom Dundon. This was taken after Svechnikov left the duo for interviews.
Bob Wage, Canes Country
Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour had previously pretty much ruled out any possibility of Nikishin playing in these playoffs, but perhaps his stance has recently softened.
When he allowed the defenseman to dress and skate in warmups with the team prior to game four, it led to some questions.
Would he have played if a starting defenseman couldn’t go in this game?
Rod Brind’Amour on Alexander Nikishin taking warmups last night: “Just giving him the routine. Probably a good chance we’ll have to use him at some point, but that was really the reason.”
Said it wasn’t due to anyone being a game-time decision.
— Ryan Henkel (@RyanHenkel_) May 13, 2025
Could he be the “next man in” if there is an injury?
On if he’d be the next man up: “Possibly. We have a couple options and we’ve had looks at other guys so we know. I think there’s a comfort in knowing what you’re getting versus not really being sure and it’s be a tough situation to plop a kid in who hasn’t had a game over here…
— Ryan Henkel (@RyanHenkel_) May 13, 2025
(continued – But we’re trying to give him every step of the way. Hopefully we don’t have to make those decisions, but if we do, we’ll figure it out.”)
This not exactly a ringing endorsement but saying “possibly” is better than a definitive “no”.
In a perfect world, the defense as well as everyone else on the team stays healthy, but it is not unusual for injuries to happen in the postseason.
Of course, Brind’Amour will not do anything to upset the current team chemistry unless he absolutely has to, but it will be interesting to see what happens if it is necessary.
Opinions vary on what should happen if there are injuries.
Below is one of the many highlight reels available for the player.
Tick, tick, tick…. fans are counting the moments before they can see what this player can do for Carolina.