Star Russian rookie arrives in stunning move to shake up 2025 NHL Playoffs

Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Alexander Nikishin is the real deal, and he’s playoff ready.

The Hurricanes simply ran out of time at the NHL trade deadline. The organization was too preoccupied with shipping off Mikko Rantanen that it left little room for the Canes to add talent for a playoff push. As it stood Carolina was a very good team entering the playoffs, but lacked the spark needed to get past some of the best teams in the East.

Now their spark has arrived in the most stunning way imaginable.