Alexander Nikishin (Photo by KHL)
Alexander Nikishin is hopeful he can resolve his visa situation in time to play for the Carolina Hurricanes before the end of the NHL regular season. The defenseman, who played last season with SKA St. Petersburg, shared the update in a conversation with RG.
“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.”
On Friday, Nikishin officially terminated his contract with SKA by mutual agreement. But time is tight – whether he’ll manage to get his visa processed in time to suit up for Carolina this season remains unclear.
According to RG sources, 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. Carolina has just four games left before the postseason, with the finale set for April 17 against the Ottawa Senators. One day earlier, the Canes face the Canadiens in Montreal – where former SKA teammate Ivan Demidov will probably be playing.
“I think the fans in Montreal will like what they see,” Nikishin said of his friend. “But I won’t praise him too much – he might read this! He’ll do great. And if we end up playing against each other, I promise I won’t hit him. Though honestly, he’s so skilled it would be hard for anyone to lay a hit on him anyway.”
Carolina’s left side is already stacked with Jacob Slavin, Dmitry Orlov, and Shayne Gostisbehere logging major minutes. Even if Nikishin makes it over in time, cracking the lineup immediately–especially during a tight playoff race–will be a big challenge.
“I know the competition is serious, but I’m ready,” he 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.”
Nikishin said he hasn’t yet spoken with Brind’Amour, but is ready to do “whatever is asked” once he arrives. He’s been in touch with fellow Russian and Hurricanes forward Andrei Svechnikov, whom he’s counting on for help adapting to life in the U.S.
“My English exists–but it’s pretty basic,” Nikishin admitted with a smile.
“Still, I’m actually curious to try speaking with what I’ve got. If anything, I’ll ask Svechnikov to help translate.”
Over two seasons in the KHL, Nikishin developed into one of the league’s top blueliners, scoring 55 points in 98 games. With his mix of size, skating, and offensive upside, he’s considered a strong long-term asset for a team looking to stay competitive beyond this spring. Whether he suits up this month or waits until training camp in the fall, Nikishin’s move to Carolina is nearly–just a matter of paperwork and time.
“It still doesn’t feel real that I’m actually going to the NHL,” he said. “I think when I arrive, it’ll feel like a dream. I’m really looking forward to this next chapter in my life.”
Sergey has been in sports journalism since 2007 as a reporter, editor, and manager. He has covered the Olympic Games, soccer World Cups, the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the European championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, IOC events, and many others. Sergey interviewed the sport's greatest athletes, coaches, and executives. Since 2016, he has been an Independent Senior Editor of NHL.com/ru.
