Carolina Hurricanes prospect Alexander Nikishin remains focused on SKA, but will he make the NHL jump once his KHL contract expires? (Photo by Match TV)
Top Carolina Hurricanes prospect, Alexander Nikishin, is largely viewed as the best defenseman not currently in the NHL, due to his exceptional play in the KHL. The 23-year-old has spent the last three seasons with SKA, but his contract is set to expire on June 1, 2025.
According to Carolina Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky, the Canes will be looking to sign him to an entry-level contract as soon as his KHL contract expires. The Hurricanes only have a couple of defensemen signed beyond this season and, with Carolina looking to sign newly acquired star forward Mikko Rantanen to a big extension, any cost-controlled asset will be of major value to Tulsky and co.
That being said, Nikishin hasn’t exactly been direct about his intentions moving forward, choosing instead to focus on his club’s quest for the Gagarin Cup and what’s in front of him right now.
“I have no idea what’s going to happen even a month from now. Thinking that far ahead is just asking to be laughed at,” Nikishin said in an exclusive interview with RG.
Nikishin also mentioned that he hasn’t communicated very often with the Hurricanes and GM Eric Tulsky during this season, nor has he had any contact with team owner, Tom Dundon.
“I don’t see the point in frequent calls. Occasionally, sure, but why all the time? I’m focused on my work here with SKA,” explained Nikishin.
“They don’t text me after every game to congratulate me, either, and I don’t think that’s necessary.”
The defenseman also admitted that he hasn’t put much effort into learning English, relying on an interpreter in order to communicate with Carolina.
“I haven’t studied any English, but I know a few basic words,” said Nikishin. “I get help with translations. I don’t speak conversational English, but I can say a couple of words and understand some things.”
Unfinished Business
On top of being the club’s best defenseman, Nikishin has also been the captain of SKA St. Petersburg for the last two seasons. It’s an honor he doesn’t take lightly when it comes to standing up for the big moments and pulling his team into the fight.
“I felt comfortable in this role last season too. This year, I got the letter right away, but I don’t focus too much on it. I take it in stride,” he said.
In the current KHL season, Nikishin has recorded 35 points (13 goals, 22 assists) in 47 regular-season games. He’s consistently been one of the top defensemen in the KHL and continues to improve as the season progresses.
Known from his harsh self-criticism, he admitted that he is never fully satisfied with his performance.
“I’m never satisfied with myself or my game. I can’t remember a game where I felt I played perfectly and didn’t make any mistakes. Almost every time, there’s something to improve on,” he stated.
On January 23, Nikishin suffered a concussion in a KHL regular-season game against Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. In the first period, Lokomotiv forward Maksim Shalunov collided with Nikishin in mid-air. The 23-year-old SKA defenseman fell to the ice and, after attempting to get up, collapsed again.
A week later, on January 30, he returned to SKA’s lineup and played against Spartak.
“I feel fine now. I just needed a week,” Nikishin said.
Growing Into a Star
Nikishin plays an aggressive style and is a key contributor offensively, especially on the power play. He says that his coaches don’t specifically demand this from him—it’s just how he enjoys playing.
"It’s not like someone told me to do it—I just want to be aggressive. At some point, it started working out. I guess it comes from confidence.”
Because of the intense style of play and the role of captaincy, there’s been a sense that Nikishin can be as harsh on his teammates as he is with himself. Nikishin quickly shot that down, clarifying that he respects his teammates and would rather have a conversation with them than initiate a yelling match on the bench.
Scouts and hockey analysts have long praised Nikishin’s offensive ability from the backend, due primarily to his powerful shooting ability. He’s made a habit of scoring some important goals from long range, but he never sacrifices power for precision.
"I always think about why I’m shooting and where. You could just shoot at the boards if you wanted,” explained Nikishin. “Hockey today is all about thinking ahead; the smallest details matter.”
Playing With Tony DeAngelo
This season, SKA also had American defenseman Tony DeAngelo on the roster. He put up 32 points in 34 games before deciding to terminate his contract and return home in mid-January to sign with the New York Islanders.
Nikishin wasn’t surprised when DeAngelo quickly signed with the Islanders for the rest of the season, as he had been one of the top performers in the KHL and still had a lot left to give an NHL club.
"The level he played at was high—nothing surprising there."
There’s been a lot of ink spilled over DeAngelo’s reputation and personality while he played in the NHL, but the SKA captain didn’t see any problematic behavior during his time in the KHL.
"I wouldn’t say that [he had a bad attitude],” said Nikishin. “It’s not like we were super close, but he was fine.”
Daria went to St. Petersburg State University and earned a bachelor of international journalism. Working as a sports journalist from 2014, from 2016 as a hockey journalist. Covered 5 World Championships, 2022 Winter Olympics, 2020 World Juniors, 6 Gagarin Cup Finals.
Owner of a telegram channel Coolest Game on Earth.
Integrative nutritionist specializing on sports nutritionology.
