Alexander Nikishin’s situation in Carolina is bizarre.
On April 11, two weeks ago, the Hurricanes announced that the player had agreed with the team on the terms of a two-year NHL entry-level contract.
But now… said contract doesn’t seem to have been officially signed yet.
There are still details to be ironed out, and the player’s agent is frustrated. Both parties agree on the terms of the contract, but nothing has been officially sent to the NHL yet.
Alexander Chernykh – in an interview in Russia – therefore criticized the Hurricanes’ organization, saying it’s illogical that his client’s contract hasn’t yet been settled.
He claims that everyone is frustrated, that the Hurricanes “always act like this”… and Nikishin’s agent gave the organization an ultimatum, saying this:
If it continues, Alexander will return home or ask for a trade. – Alexander Chernykh
Wow…
Re: #RaiseUp Alexander Nikishin’s Russian agent speaks about CAR not signing him yet and what may happen if they don’t.
pic.twitter.com/retNbFc02d
– Field hockey News Hub (@HockeyNewsHub) April 25, 2025
Do the Hurricanes know something and that’s why the contract hasn’t yet been made official with the National League?
It’s a possibility. After all, Nikishin is one of the organization’s top prospects, he was allowed to leave Russia to come to North America… and the Hurricanes don’t seem to be in any hurry to sign him.
By way of comparison, the Canadiens wasted no time in reaching an agreement with Ivan Demidov.
It happened on the same day that we learned (by surprise) that the forward had been released by Roman Rotenberg and SKA St. Petersburg…
Alexander Nikishin has already arrived in Carolina and met with Hurricanes management. He hasn’t played yet (because he doesn’t have a contract) and clearly, he’s got some frustration on his side right now.
At least, for his agent to make threats like that… there has to be someone not happy somewhere.
– Barkov could play tomorrow.
Paul Maurice: Barkov not ruled out for Game 3, but not cleared either
– George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) April 25, 2025
– Wow.
Calvin Pickard is in the starter’s net this morning. Will start Game 3 it appears. #Oilers
– Tony Brar
(@TonyBrarOTV) April 25, 2025
– Dawson Mercer’s little brother signs contract with the Wild.
#mnwild have signed 21 year old Drummondville (QMJHL) free agent goalie Riley Mercer to a 3-year deal. #njdevils forward Dawson Mercer’s younger brother. 27-15-4 this season with a 2.53 GAA and league best .925 SV%. Won QMJHL title last year. Gives Wild depth in AHL/ECHL as he..
– Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) April 25, 2025
– Of note.
Avs practising right now. Landeskog moved up to second line with Nelson and Nichushkin.
Landeskog also taking reps on PP1 unit here at practice.– Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) April 25, 2025
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