Hurricanes’ Defenseman Won’t Report to Camp Amid Contract Dispute

The Carolina Hurricanes announced on Wednesday that defenseman Alexander Nikishin won’t report to training camp as he is without a contract. Noting that they will not comment on the status of the player beyond the fact he won’t be in attendance, there is no news regarding the two sides getting any closer to an extension or a trade.

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— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) September 16, 2026

For most of the offseason, the issues between Nikishin and the Hurricanes have been rather public. Talk that he wants out has surfaced, and there was speculation that the team might have been close to trading him. Ultimately, that didn’t take place. As such, his agent and the Carolina Hurricanes all seem to be digging their heels in.

While a contract extension is still possible, it’s getting harder to imagine this scenario not ending in a trade. The 24-year-old RFA reportedly requested a trade immediately after winning the Stanley Cup with Carolina last season.

Head coach Rod Brind’Amour talked about Nikishin’s status. He noted that the team doesn’t waste time worrying about it and they understand that this is part of the game. “Love the player, but business is business. No hard feelings; the team has to proceed with or without him.”

Nikishin has likely seen the numbers going out the door to players who are signing long-term and high-AAV deals. The Hurricanes, however, are unwilling to give him a deal without him earning the payday he might expect. The Hurricanes will let him sit and watch and give opportunities to other players. This could ultimately cost the defenseman a good chunk of money.

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