Alexander Nikishin [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/550dfa9b-6b9a-4737-826c-db8c8c40c77a.jpeg] Alexander Nikishin Carolina Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky revealed Wednesday on a Zoom call with local media, that new defenseman Alexander Nikishin has not yet technically signed his contract with the team. ESPN's Emily Kaplan had first reported during Sunday's game that Nikishin hadn't yet been signed by the Canes, stating that he had instead been granted permission from the NHL to allow him to practice with the team [https://thehockeynews.com/shortUrl/Vq4zkaZ]. According to Tulsky, while Nikishin isn't signed, he has agreed to terms on a deal and there also isn't any real concern over getting that contract finalized. "I expect that we will sign the deal any day now," Tulsky said. "We're just working through some things. If we felt like we needed him on the ice in the next game, we'd get the contract in and have him ready to go. There's nothing that's getting in the way of him being able to play for us." The biggest holdup is the fact that if the team wants him to get games in the AHL at any point this season, he'd only be able to if he signed a ATO (amateur tryout) with the Chicago Wolves and signing an NHL contact would bar him from having that option. "When we sign the contract, he won't be able to play in the AHL any more," Tulsky said. "He'd be restricted to NHL games, so we're trying to keep our options open by holding off for now." It's a fairly unique situation to have a deal pretty much done, but not quite technically signed, and it probably also didn't help fans that the Hurricanes' social team put out a graphic that said 'Signed' [https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/news/hurricanes-agree-to-terms-with-nikishin] in regards to Nikishin (although they probably just assumed the same as everyone else too. I mean, even I thought he was officially signed [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes/latest-news/alexander-nikishin-officially-signs-two-year-elc-with-carolina-hurricanes]). But worry not, Alexander Nikishin is going to be a Carolina Hurricane. It's just that the front office is dancing around some legalities and loopholes to keep as many options as they can open, and it was important for them to still get him to Raleigh as quickly as possible [https://thehockeynews.com/shortUrl/4enZe0l] to maximize the time they have to integrate him into the team, system and culture. "[Nikishin] has a ton of ability, but it's a big transition for him," Tulsky said. "Every time he gets a chance to skate with the team, meet with the coaches, that helps him be ready to get on the ice and help the team. I think it's a great learning experience for him. The time he's getting around the team is helping him integrate and make sure he's ready to go when we need him." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be sure to check out the Carolina Hurricanes 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Hub [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes/latest-news/carolina-hurricanes-2025-stanley-cup-playoffs-hub] for all postseason stories! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwmeDfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] to never miss a story.
