Nikishin scored a power-play goal and added an even-strength assist in Tuesday's 5-4 shootout win over Pittsburgh.

EDGE Analysis

Both points came in the third period, with the power-play tally being his fourth of the season and second in as many games. Nikishin has taken over the top spot with the man advantage for the Hurricanes while Shayne Gostisbehere (lower body) is sidelined, and the 24-year-old rookie is running with the opportunity. On the season, Nikishin has nine goals and 25 points in 63 games, including eight power-play points.

Nikishin scored a power-play goal, added two hits and blocked two shots in Saturday's 5-4 loss to the Flames.

EDGE Analysis

Nikishin is in for a short-term boost on the power play while Shayne Gostisbehere (lower body) is sidelined. The goal Saturday ended Nikishin's seven-game point drought, so a few more looks in prime situations may be just what he needs to reignite his offense. The rookie defenseman is at eight goals, 23 points (seven on the power play), 97 shots on net, 109 hits, 70 blocked shots and a plus-11 rating over 62 outings this season.

Nikishin scored a goal on two shots in Sunday's 3-2 overtime win over the Kings.

EDGE Analysis

Nikishin has earned two goals, six points, 21 shots on net, 19 hits and 11 blocked shots over his last 12 outings. The defenseman's third-period tally Sunday put the Hurricanes ahead 2-0, though the Kings got on the board just 24 seconds later. Nikishin is up to seven goals, 22 points, 86 shots, 99 hits, 62 blocked shots and a plus-10 rating over 54 appearances this season.

Nikishin scored a power-play goal on three shots, dished an assist, added two PIM and went plus-2 in Friday's 9-1 win over the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

Nikishin is up to two goals and four assists over nine outings in January. The defenseman could be in line for extra power-play time while Shayne Gostisbehere (lower body) works his way back to health. Nikishin has six goals, 20 points, 72 shots on net, 87 hits, 57 blocked shots and a plus-12 rating over 47 appearances this season.

Nikishin scored a goal and added an assist, both on the power play, in Thursday's 7-5 loss to the Canadiens.

EDGE Analysis

Nikishin's performance Thursday was his first multi-point effort at the NHL level. The 24-year-old blueliner has been a little streaky in his rookie year, but he has three points over his last three contests and could be warming up again. Nikishin is at five goals, 16 points, 64 shots on net, 77 hits, 50 blocked shots and a plus-11 rating across 39 appearances. He's not quite a fantasy star yet, but he has the all-around skill set that should help him get there within a couple of years.

Nikishin (ankle) is expected to play Saturday versus Detroit.

EDGE Analysis

Nikishin appeared to sustain an ankle injury against Florida on Tuesday, but it seems he won't miss a game due to the issue. He has four goals, 13 points, 69 hits and 46 blocked shots across 35 appearances in 2025-26.

Nikishin was seen icing his right ankle in the locker room following Tuesday's game versus the Panthers, and head coach Rod Brind'Amour didn't have an update on the defenseman's status, Cory Lavalette of The North State Journal reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nikishin's injury could complicate things for the Hurricanes, who are also missing Jaccob Slavin (upper body). Nikishin will have some time to rest ahead of Saturday's game versus the Red Wings.

Nikishin scored a goal and added two hits in Saturday's 4-3 shootout win over the Flyers.

EDGE Analysis

Nikishin has a goal and an assist over his last two games. However, even with the goal Saturday, he was down to a season-low 13:26 of ice time. The 24-year-old has done a fine job with 11 points, 51 shots on net, 62 hits, 39 blocked shots and a plus-11 rating over 30 appearances. He could get pinched out of the lineup at times once Jaccob Slavin (lower body) returns to action, though it's also possible the Hurricanes send him to AHL Chicago to keep his workload up with bigger minutes with the farm team.

Nikishin scored a goal on five shots and blocked two shots in Friday's 5-1 win over the Jets.

EDGE Analysis

Nikishin snapped a seven-game point drought with a tally in the final minute of the contest. The 24-year-old defenseman was scratched once in that span, and that may happen at times when his play isn't up to the Hurricanes' standards. He's been pressed into a bigger role than initially expected due to the team's numerous injuries on defense early in the season. Nikishin has three goals, nine points, a plus-15 rating, 43 shots on net, 55 hits and 33 blocked shots, which is a great foundation for a blueliner who could be an all-around fantasy force in short order.

Nikishin scored a goal Saturday in a 2-1 loss to Boston.

EDGE Analysis

He wired a slap shot from the slot late in the third period with the extra skater on the ice for Carolina's lone goal. Nikishin has a goal and an assist in his last two games. He has produced two tallies, six points, 21 shots on net and a plus-10 rating through 11 contests this season. He's already in the hunt for the Calder Trophy as the best rookie. Due to injuries, he is on the top pairing and has been working on the second power-play unit. Nikishin is a star in the making.