Alexander Nikishin, the Carolina Hurricanes defenseman, recorded 33 points and a +18 rating in 81 games, earning an NHL All-Rookie Team nod even though his playing time was reduced during the team’s playoff run as the Hurricanes lifted the Stanley Cup. Alexander Nikishin’s two year contract with the team also expired at the end of the 2025-26 season as he remains a restricted free agent. Ahead of training camp, Alexander Nikishin has now been linked to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
| Category | Details |
| Player | Alexander Nikishin |
| Current Status | Restricted Free Agent (RFA under Carolina Hurricanes control) |
| Rumored Teams | St. Louis Blues, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings |
| Signing Likelihood | Moderate (A trade-and-sign package is increasingly likely over returning to Carolina) |
| Latest Insider Update | Alexander Nikishin is rumored to be wanting more than $8 million per year; the Pittsburgh Penguins have emerged as a potential landing spot for him, before training camp begins. |
Which teams are interested in Alexander Nikishin?
While Alexander Nikishin has remained a restricted free agent, as per NHL analysts, the St. Louis Blues, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers, are rumored to be eyeing him, ahead of the new season.
What are insiders saying about the rumors?
A few hours ago, Michael DeRosa of The Hockey News noted in a recent report, “With Alexander Nikishin being a 24-year-old defenseman with great upside, he is exactly the kind of defenseman who a retooling team like the Penguins should make a serious push for.”Michael DeRosa of The Hockey News added, “He just had a strong rookie season with the Hurricanes, posting 11 goals, 33 points, and a plus-18 rating in 81 games. The potential for him to become a high-impact defenseman in the NHL is there, so he is a blueliner the Penguins should consider making a serious push for.”But the Pittsburgh Penguins has not responded to the speculations yet as the team focuses on its roster, ahead of training camp.
How will this impact the teams?
For the Pittsburgh Penguins, signing Alexander Nikishin will not be that expensive as the team already has a whopping $13 million in available cap space. Signing him would instantly modernize the team’s defense as a top-four, puck-moving blueliner who stabilizes the left side.At this point in time, nothing has been confirmed yet as recently, Alexander Nikishin weighed in on the trade rumors.In an exclusive interview with RG, Alexander Nikishin said, “My agents handle that. I don’t push the situation much, they take care of everything themselves. If something concrete comes up, they’ll call me.”The star player added, “Right now there’s nothing concrete about the contract…I really didn’t react to that at all. Trade rumors are normal for us.”
