Nashville Predators show interest in Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 12:14 AM
Last updated Sep 11, 2026
The Nashville Predators have engaged in discussions regarding Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin this summer. The 24-year-old is a restricted free agent currently negotiating his next contract. While Nikishin remains unsigned, reports indicate he is using the $75.04 million deal signed by Zeev Buium as a valuation benchmark. Carolina has a history of signing players to contracts below market value, complicating a potential deal with the young defenseman. Nikishin recorded 11 goals and 33 points across 81 games in his debut NHL season following a tenure as captain of SKA St. Petersburg in the Kontinental Hockey League. Chris MacFarland must now determine if the Predators will meet the financial requirements necessary to secure the defender.
- •Alexander Nikishin remains a restricted free agent after one season with the Carolina Hurricanes.
- •The 24-year-old posted 11 goals and 33 points in 81 games during his NHL rookie season.
- •Nikishin is reportedly using the contract extension of Zeev Buium as a financial comparable.
- •The Nashville Predators are evaluating the potential of acquiring the defenseman via trade.
- 12:14 AMYahoo Sports — Predators Linked to Carolina Hurricanes Defenseman by Insider
"According to insider Elliotte Friedman, the Nashville Predators have shown interest in Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin this summer. Nikishin, 24, is currently a restricted free agent who has been unable to come to terms with Hurricanes, a team known for signing players to contracts below market value.
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