Russian defender Alexander Nikishin requested a trade from the Carolina Hurricanes
Quick Look
Russian defenseman Alexander Nikishin, the 2026 Stanley Cup winner, requested a trade from the NHL club Carolina Hurricanes after his contract expired and he became a restricted free agent.
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Why It Matters
Alexander Nikishin is a Russian hockey player, defenseman, winner of the 2026 Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes. His contract with the club expired at the end of June 2026, after which he became a restricted free agent.
Brief retelling from RIA II
Russian defenseman Alexander Nikishin, 2026 Stanley Cup winner, has requested a trade from the NHL club Carolina Hurricanes.
Nikishin's contract with Carolina expired at the end of June and he is a restricted free agent, with the Hurricanes making him a qualifying offer.
MOSCOW, September 15 - RIA Novosti. The 2026 Stanley Cup winner, Russian defenseman Alexander Nikishin, has requested a trade from the National Hockey League (NHL) Carolina Hurricanes, The Athletic reports.
According to the source, Nikishin announced his desire to change the team after the end of the season in which Carolina won the Stanley Cup. His request still stands.
Nikishin's contract with Carolina expired at the end of June. The Russian is a restricted free agent. Earlier, the Hurricanes made a qualifying offer to the hockey player. In July, journalist Elliott Friedman reported that the New York Rangers were in talks to transfer the player.
Nikishin is 24 years old, he is a native of Orel, and from 2022 to 2025 the defender played for SKA St. Petersburg. Nikishin made his NHL debut with Carolina in 2025 during the playoffs. The 2025/26 season was the Russian’s first full season in the league. Nikishin scored 33 points (11 goals and 22 assists) in 81 regular season games, and scored one assist in 17 Stanley Cup games in 2026.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Nikishin will be traded to another NHL club before the start of training camp for the 2026-27 season
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Which clubs are interested in trading Nikishin?
- What conditions does Carolina put forward for the trade?
- Will Nikishin agree to a qualifying offer if the trade doesn't happen?
