Carolina Hurricanes Get Huge Updates on Injured Nikishin & Ehlers

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

The Carolina Hurricanes made quick work of the Ottawa Senators in the first round of the playoffs, dispatching of them in four straight games. They're now waiting on the winner of the Philadelphia Flyers-Pittsburgh Penguins series. The Flyers are clinging to a 3-2 lead. 

The bad news for the winner of the Battle of Pennsylvania is that not only will they be facing a rested Hurricanes squad, it sounds like the Metropolitan Division champs will also be getting a couple of key players back from injury.

Head coach Rod Brind'Amour told the media today that he expects both players to be ready for Round 2. 

Nikishin, the impressive Russian blueliner, formed a dynamic offensive duo on the third pairing with Shayne Gostisbehere this season for the Canes, but he suffered a concussion after getting absolutely nailed by Ottawa's Tyler Kleven in Game 4 of their first-round series. 

Nikishin was left dazed and confused, and barely able to keep his balance in being helped off the ice.  

“With the concussion thing, everything’s trending in the right direction,” Brind’Amour said on Nikishin. “I guess it kind of depends on how long we’re [waiting for Round 2] for, so that could work in our favor if it is a little longer.”

Nikishin posted 11 goals and 22 assists for 33 points in his rookie season for Carolina, with an impressive plus/minus rating of +18. He also handed out 132 hits and blocked 94 shots.

Ehlers missed Game 4 of 1st round, on track to return for 2nd round

As for Ehlers, he missed Game 4 due to a lower-body injury. That was his first game missed all season long for the Canes, as he played in all 82 regular-season contests in his first year in Raleigh. He potted 26 goals to go with a career high 45 assists and 71 points. He logged an average of 16:36 ice time per night.


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