LD Alexander Nikishin - SKA St.Petersburg, KHL (2020, 69th, CAR)
- Thread starter Frk It
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Caser
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Skinnyjimmy08
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- Mar 30, 2012
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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
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
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Killerjas
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LeafChief
Matthew Knies Enthusiast
TheKrebsCycle
Throwing Confetti for Perfetti
Simashev is the exact player I think/hope Carolina is targeting at the end the 1st. If they keep the pick.
jackp0t
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- Jun 7, 2009
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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
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Dirtyf1ghter
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- Aug 7, 2019
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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.
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.
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Caser
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He needs to be in the NHL ASAP
KHL is no longer good enough for him
KHL is no longer good enough for him
Skinnyjimmy08
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Caser
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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
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Hansen
tyler motte simp
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
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- Jul 3, 2010
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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
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Canes
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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
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- Sep 25, 2020
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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.
