Nikishin’s Contract Standoff | NHL News

NHL News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 1, 2026 · 1m

The Carolina Hurricanes are stuck in a contract standoff with young defenseman Alexander Nikishin, who just won his first Stanley Cup in his NHL debut — but no deal is signed yet. Nikishin reportedly wants a hefty $8M annual salary, a steep ask for a first-year pro, even with strong Russian experience. While he’s brushed off trade rumors and acknowledged rising player values, his resume doesn’t yet justify top-tier pay — a $5–6.5M bridge deal seems more realistic. With August winding down and September looming, fans are watching closely to see if a resolution happens before the season kicks…