After a lengthy saga that lasted multiple months, the Carolina Hurricanes and defenseman Alexander Nikishin have broken through their contract stalemate, agreeing to a one-year, $3 million deal.

"We’re glad that Alexander is returning to our group," said Carolina general manager Eric Tulsky. "This has been a long process, but we look forward to him re-entering our locker room ready to contribute with the Hurricanes, as he did during a Stanley Cup championship season last year.”

The 25-year-old defenseman had a breakout year in Carolina last season, setting the franchise record for goals by a rookie defenseman (11) and finishing second in points (33).

The All-Rookie Team selection also was second in the entire league for scoring amongst rookie blueliners, behind only the New York Islanders' Matthew Schaefer.

Nikishin was also fifth on the team in hits (132) and primarily quarterbacked the team's second power play unit.

Despite the strong regular season, the rookie defenseman did struggle in the playoffs, but played in all but two games during the championship run.

Following the championship, Nikishin had reportedly asked for a trade out of Carolina as he was hoping for a bigger role that just wasn't there with the Hurricanes.

Carolina had discussions with multiple teams regarding the Russian defenseman, including nearly dealing him to the New York Rangers at the draft, but nothing was ever able to make its way across the finish line once word got out about the kind of money Nikishin and his agent were looking for.

This new deal doesn't necessarily mean that a future trade is off the table though either, as having him under contract could make him more enticing for teams looking to bolster their bluelines.

According to TSN insider Pierre LeBrun though, Carolina intends to retain Nikishin for the time being and revisit the matter next offseason.

Nikishin will still be an RFA at the expiration of this new contract, although this time he will be arbitration eligible as well as able to tender offer sheets. He did not have either at his disposal this year, hence the long stalemate.

Seth Jarvis Added To Roster; Could Play Tomorrow In Edmonton

Carolina Hurricanes Continue To Be Handed Tough News As Mark Jankowski Sent Back To Raleigh For Evaluation

'You Don't Want To Be One-Dimensional': Carolina Looking To Work Its Penalty Killing Magic On Logan Stankoven

Undefeated Pyotr Kochetkov Establishing Himself As One Of The League's Top Netminders

Stay updated with the most interesting Carolina Hurricanes stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.