Hurricanes Announce Alexander Nikishin News Before Round 2

James Guillory-Imagn Images

Hurricanes Announce Alexander Nikishin News Before Round 2

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Apr 29, 2026 12:10 PM ET

The Carolina Hurricanes made quick work of their first-round opponents and clinched their place in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after sweeping the Ottawa Senators.

They will have plenty of time off before they meet their next opponent, still unknown, as the series between the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins has extended to a Game 6 and could reach Game 7 depending on the result.

That resting time could be key for the return of injured rookie defenseman Alexander Nikishin, who exited Game 4 after suffering a concussion on a heavy hit from the Senators' Tyler Kleven.

On Tuesday, Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour provided an update following practice, where Nikishin was not on the ice with the team.

Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour gestures on the bench.Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

“With the concussion thing, everything’s trending in the right direction,” Brind’Amour said. “I guess it kind of depends on how long we’re [waiting for Round 2] for, so that could work in our favor if it is a little longer.”

Nikishin completed his rookie season with 33 points in 81 games but went scoreless in four playoff appearances before suffering his injury late in the first round.

Brind’Amour sounded optimistic about the timeline for Nikishin (and Nikolaj Ehlers, who is also injured) potentially aligning with Carolina’s extended break between rounds.

“I’m hopeful that both guys will be ready [for Round 2], by the looks of it,” Brind’Amour said.

Great to see Nikishin on the ice for the Canes. He is in the no contact yellow jersey. ⁦@WNCN⁩ pic.twitter.com/fhofNTfc9Y
— Todd Gibson (@ToddGibsonWNCN) April 29, 2026

A new report from WNCN's Todd Gibson seemed to confirm Brind'Amour's expectations, as Nikishin was on the ice—albeit on a non-contact jersey.

Nikishin will keep working his way back as the Hurricanes keep waiting to know their second-round foe, with the date for the series opener against the Flyers or Penguins still not announced.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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