Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin is set to make his season debut tonight as the team takes on the Chicago Blackhawks.

Nikishin, 25, practiced as a regular for this first time this year on Saturday morning, taking line rushes alongside Shayne Gostisbehere and quarterbacking the second power play unit.

"That's the plan as of right now," said Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour when asked if he anticipates Nikishin slotting in against Chicago. "If everything checks out, that's the way it should go."

The Russian blueliner had missed the last 18 games due to prolonged contract negotiations, but now that that has been settled and he's gotten a few practices in to get back up to speed, it seems he's finally ready to go.

The 6-foot-3 defenseman will certainly bring some physicality and offensive power to the Hurricanes' blueline if he's indeed playing.

Last season, Nikishin had 11 goals (a franchise rookie record) and 33 points in 81 games and also finished the year with 132 hits.

He's got a ton of talent and he makes Carolina a better team when he's playing.

Nikishin wasn't too keen to speak with the media following practice, but he did have one message when asked about making his season debut.

"I'm ready," Nikishin said. "You'll see." 

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