LD Alexander Nikishin - SKA St.Petersburg, KHL (2020, 69th, CAR)

[KOS21]

What is his contract status in the KHL?

 

[vorky]

What is his contract status in the KHL?

He is under contract with SKA until 30.04.2025. two-way contract. Source

 

[Caser]

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

Geeze 40 points in 48 games in the KHL

1st in Dmen points in the KHL

Only 5 points behind the league leader in points

 

[MadeUpName]

Geeze 40 points in 48 games in the KHL

1st in Dmen points in the KHL

Only 5 points behind the league leader in points

21 years old, 6'4", 220 lbs and already one of the best open ice hitters in Pro hockey. Plays 25 minutes a night.

If Nikishin was a big market prospect he would already be getting pre-NHL Kaprizov-level buzz. Legitimately a top-5 defensive prospect until he proves he can't do it in the NHL.

 

[Caser]

 

[Killerjas]

What a meteoric rise in development. From barely ranked in the 2020 draft, half a point player in the MHL, to being a top 5 defensive prospect. Many scouts did not have him ranked. Was very raw, got overwhelmed in the KHL,

 

[LeafChief]

Another fantastic pick by the Canes. Impressive.

 

[TheKrebsCycle]

I remember when the highlights were all hits initially , but man has his game opened up . Should be an entertaining player to watch when he eventually comes over

 

[Zine]

He's an example of what Simashev can be. A big, raw and athletic defenseman who needs time to put all his untapped offensive tools together.

 

[MadeUpName]

He's an example of what Simashev can be. A big, raw and athletic defenseman who needs time to put all his untapped offensive tools together.

Simashev is the exact player I think/hope Carolina is targeting at the end the 1st. If they keep the pick.

 

[jackp0t]

What a meteoric rise in development. From barely ranked in the 2020 draft, half a point player in the MHL, to being a top 5 defensive prospect. Many scouts did not have him ranked. Was very raw, got overwhelmed in the KHL,

He was ranked 28th european by the central. Most scouts had him in the late 2nd to 4th round.

He may have slided during the draft due to the russian factor and the fact he had a heart issue.

 

[Caser]

 

[Dirtyf1ghter]

Honestly, he's a player I had 24th on my 2020 list.

It was possible to perceive his talent. He came out very often. He was the best Russian defender born in 2001 for me. But I had Mukhamadullin a few places ahead.

Never underestimate Russians who crack a KHL roster before the NHL Draft. The absence of points means nothing. Simashev will be another example this year.

 

[Caser]

 

[ViD]

He needs to be in the NHL ASAP

KHL is no longer good enough for him

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

So annoying he can't come to the NHL still for a while!!

 

[Caser]

He needs to be in the NHL ASAP

KHL is no longer good enough for him

I'd say only in terms of the attacking game, defensive side still needs a decent amount of improvements, although those should be possible to make in like next year if he works hard.

 

[Caser]

 

[Hansen]

What sort of conditions would be required for him to buy himself out of his contract? That's the only way players can leave KHL early to come to NHL right?

 

[WarriorofTime]

Nikishin is probably the best defenseman in the KHL right now and only 21 years old. Carolina should do everything in their power to bring him over before his contract runs out in 2 years.

 

[Caser]

 

[Canes]

Nikishin is probably the best defenseman in the KHL right now and only 21 years old. Carolina should do everything in their power to bring him over before his contract runs out in 2 years.

I'm pretty sure they're going to really try. Apparently he was a non-starter in trade conversations and we also apparently tried to pay off his KHL team to release him last offseason. That said, with the current Russian/North American geopolitical divide and how he can probably make more money in the KHL than signing an ELC here, who knows what will happen.

 

[AhosDatsyukian]

Nikishin is probably the best defenseman in the KHL right now and only 21 years old. Carolina should do everything in their power to bring him over before his contract runs out in 2 years.

He's easily the best defenseman not currently in the NHL in my view. Absolutely dominant in general, let alone for his age as a D man in a league of seasoned vets. Hope the Canes can get him here in 2 years, don't see any way he comes over earlier than that.

 

[Dominance]

Uhm…