Earlier this week, Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky met (video link) with local media to discuss his team. One of the questions he was asked was about rookie defenseman Alexander Nikishin, whose entry-level deal is set to expire this summer. Tulsky indicated that while talks have been ongoing throughout the season, the team would prefer their pending free agents focus on the playoffs which means an extension in the coming weeks is likely doubtful. Nikishin had a very promising rookie season with 11 goals and 22 assists in 81 games while logging over 18 minutes per night of playing time. He won’t be eligible for an offer sheet this summer which should also take off some pressure as the two sides work to get a new deal in place.
More from around the Hurricanes:
- Carolina’s second line of Taylor Hall, Logan Stankoven, and Jackson Blake has been dominant so far in the first round, pacing them to a 3-0 series lead over Ottawa so far. Julian McKenzie of The Athletic provided an overview of just how productive it has been. On top of combining for 13 points to make them the most productive line of the playoffs, they are also controlling possession and Expected Goals. The Sens have done well to limit Carolina’s top line to just one point (a Sebastian Aho goal) but the second line has more than picked up the slack.
- Prospect Justin Poirier has entered the NCAA transfer portal, relays Brad Elliott Schlossmann of the Grand Forks Herald (Twitter link). The 19-year-old was a fifth-round pick back in 2024, going 156th overall. Poirier decided to leave the QMJHL to play in college this season and was quite productive at the University of Maine, notching 18 goals and 11 assists in just 27 games but is electing to move on. With the portal closing on Tuesday, he’ll have to pick his next school fairly quickly.