Nikishin's Agent Responds To KHL Return Rumor, Blasts Hurricanes

One of the biggest absences from training camp in the NHL this week is Stanley Cup champion restricted free agent Alexander Nikishin. The Carolina Hurricanes' defenseman remains without a deal, and rumors have started to spread that he might even consider heading back to Russia to play in the KHL if he doesn't get the trade & big-time contract he's looking for.

But Nikishin's agent has spoken out, refuting those rumors, while at the same time ripping the Canes for dragging their feet on the matter.

"Nikishin will not return to the KHL. We hope to resolve the Carolina situation" - Alexander Nikishin's KHL agent, Chernykh pic.twitter.com/flGwUhKHTo

— Uggg (@Uggg_uggg) September 18, 2026

"Nikishin will not return to the KHL. We hope to resolve the Carolina situation," said his Russian agent Alexander Chernykh. 

"He's not even close to considering a return (to Russia) right now. We'll keep working. He's not going back... We hope to close this matter so that scenario doesn't even come up. We're not panicking."

The agent went on to say that the Hurricanes have even found takers for the big Russian D-man for a sign-and-trade, but they're holding up pending deal. Nikishin won't be going anywhere until he agrees to a deal with any new club. 

They've found teams that are ready; the rest is up to Carolina... Many teams are ready to get him. But Carolina refuses. 

"Alexander will be in North America waiting for his contract situation to resolve."

With the soon-to-be 25-year-old's wife expecting their first child, it's not surprising that they're not jumping back and forth across the ocean. 

Nikishin initially said he was looking for a contract with an AAV north of $8 million, but that was before the salary explosion of this summer sparked by Leo Carlsson's $18M AAV blockbuster deal. The big Russian is certainly going to demand something much closer to the $10M mark.