Report, Nikishin and his camp have come to an agreement with SKA so he can join the Hurricanes for the playoffs.

28 comments

  3. Nikishin watch begins

    1st Playoff game is next week. Earliest Nikishin’s team can get swept is April 3rd

    He’s a Panarin or Kaprizov level talent coming 

  6. Even with all that talent, he still has to learn the smaller ice and how the Canes play. About the best would be for him to just enjoy the playoffs and what to expect next near.

  8. I still don’t think this is our year…. But this is definitely the beginning of a Stronger cup window than we closed

  9. That’s awesome but there’s no way Rod is putting a rookie on the the ice for the first time in the playoffs.

  12. I still am super skeptical of him coming over for playoffs (next season can’t wait), but I mean he speaks a completely different language and has not built any chemistry with the team yet. i’m not saying I don’t think he’ll play great, but I also fear the language barrier and the new defenseman adjustment will plague us and/or his performance come april and may (june?)

  13. Here’s hoping his season ends before the end of the regular season. Rod is not going to play a rookie in his first game in the playoffs unless there is a major injury.

  14. I dunno, until he avoids all open windows and is actually in NC, in a Hurricanes jersey I’m not putting any expectations to seeing him this season. The reality is that Brind’amour will not scratch or reduce ice time for Burns or Orlov unless there is an injury, but then guys play injured in playoffs all the time. Nikishin has to still get through immigration which is in a fantastic position currently with Russia and then he’s gotta learn the team while also, I’m assuming, doesn’t speak English well. I think he’d be a very nice black ace to have, but I don’t think he sees ice time unless something goes wrong.

  18. I’m really trying to not get excited. This isn’t the year I keep telling myself hoping secretly it is.

  19. Just a little added context so we don’t get our hopes TOO high and get disappointed. Just wanted to share this from Adam Gold on X in response to the article:

    “This could be a little misleading. The regular season ends March 23. But, SKA is in the playoffs. Unless he’s skipping out on those, the Canes would have to wait until they are eliminated. So, more than likely it would be a week into April, or later.”

  24. I have followed the Canes since they came to Carolina. I see no need for pessimism. I can’t remember when I have felt as excited as I do now for the Canes. They have something special that personifies the truth that you don’t have to have 100+ point players to take it all.

  26. I personally want him to win the Gagarin AND the Stanley cup. We only want the best of the best afterall

  28. Kinda hope he doesn’t, watching Burns play 25mins/game while sitting Nikishin would be too embarassing.

    No matter how good he is, there’s just no way Rod sits his vets or Chatty to make room for him.

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