The wait is over: Nikishin is on the way

[Armourboy]

Snuggerud - Winger, debuted during the regular season
Demidov - Winger, debuted during the regular season
Buium - Defenseman, 13 minutes per game

Nikishin is a defenseman who will debut during the playoffs on a team where the least-used D skates 18 minutes a game (more than any of the players above).

If there’s an injury and you have to do it, then you do it. But throwing a kid into 18+ minutes a game in the playoffs is not something you do electively when everyone is healthy.



But he’s not years older and more proven than the guys HE is competing against for ice time.

He’s in the room with Tulsky and Brind’Amour every day. They just offered him his contract. What is there for him to misunderstand? You’re taking the word of a KHL agent who no longer represents the player as a reflection of the player’s personal thoughts?



This is not McDavid or Makar and I assume you know that the comparison is ludicrous and are making it in bad faith.



Again - Gostisbehere for all his flaws is a well established middle pair player with 700 games under his belt. If he gets scratched, it’ll be on the basis of his play last night — not because he hasn’t earned the right to be in the lineup.



Yeah, sure. The Red Wings are surely the organization that every player is itching to get to right now. That way they don’t have to worry about making a playoff debut any time soon.

Yeah and in the case of Buium his turnover late cost his team the game. The guy has never seen NHL ice, let alone NHL playoff ice. Everyone assumes this guy is going to be awesome but he could come in and be very meh. Carolina doesn't need meh in the middle of a playoff run to work through. Better to dance with the devil you know than the one you don't.

 

[tarheelhockey]

I guess here's where we disagree. He's surely not McDavid but I don't see any reason why the best defense prospect in the NHL can't make a similar impact that Makar did in his first playoffs. Is he going to become Makar level down the line? No, probably not, but Colorado didn't know what Makar would become when they gave Makar that opportunity, either.

“Best defensive prospect in the NHL” is not the same as “best future defenseman in the NHL”.

Makar was a #4 pick who played out a couple of years of college before jumping to the NHL within hours of playing in the NCAA championship game and winning the Hobey Baker. He immediately drew into the lineup because of an injury to Sam Girard on the #16 seed Avalanche.

Nikishin was the #69 pick who played out his contract in the KHL. The #10 seed Hurricanes have no known injuries on defense.

These players do not have the same pedigree, nor the same opportunity to jump directly into the lineup. It’s a completely different scenario and the anticipated outcomes are different. Nikishin will get his turn in due time, but he’s not going to just be handed a roster spot outside of any sort of context.

Never mind McDavid, that’s an even crazier comparison.

 

[Nikishin al Gaib]

The audacity of the Canes front office to

*checks notes*

Be completely transparent with the reasoning on exactly why things were happening as they were, the organization's plan on bringing him on, and to give an accurate timeline on when that might happen. What a complete dysfunctional organization!

 

[Garbageyuk]

It would have been a conditioning stint. Plenty of players have done that before. Landeskog just played AHL games for the first time in his career. It’s not a crazy ask of someone who’s just sitting in the press box waiting to make his debut.

Conditioning stint? He just finished a full season + playoff series in the 2nd best league in the world. Why on earth would he need a conditioning stint?

Like another poster said, he would not have terminated his contract early to play AHL games, and he would not have immediately hopped on a plane to come and sit in the press box. There’s been some kind of miscommunication somewhere; that much is certain.

With CAR’s history of playing hardball and dicking around their star players over minute details and dollar amounts, I’m inclined to believe it’s actually more than just a miscommunication going on. This and the Rantanen fiasco is just a terrible look for the organization.

 

[bleedgreen]

Conditioning stint? He just finished a full season + playoff series in the 2nd best league in the world. Why on earth would he need a conditioning stint?

Like another poster said, he would not have terminated his contract early to play AHL games, and he would not have immediately hopped on a plane to come and sit in the press box. There’s been some kind of miscommunication somewhere; that much is certain.

With CAR’s history of playing hardball and dicking around their star players over minute details and dollar amounts, I’m inclined to believe it’s actually more than just a miscommunication going on. This and the Rantanen fiasco is just a terrible look for the organization.

Clinging desperately to the need to crap on the Canes no matter what is a fascinating thing to behold.

I respect your passion.

 

[tarheelhockey]

Conditioning stint? He just finished a full season + playoff series in the 2nd best league in the world. Why on earth would he need a conditioning stint?

Because otherwise he’d just be sitting around. It’s not hard to understand why the org would at least want the option to give him some live-fire games if nothing changes with the NHL roster.

Again, this is not a case where the Canes are desperately trying to plug a hole. When Tulsky made the comment, they were up 2-0 with a completely healthy D group of legit top-4 players. It could conceivably be a while before any of them takes time off (though yesterday’s 2OT loss may change that). Why would Nikishin or the Canes want him to go weeks without playing a games, then straight into a regular shift in the NHL playoffs? Tulsky simply said he wanted to preserve the option of a stint in the AHL to keep him active.

Like another poster said, he would not have terminated his contract early to play AHL games, and he would not have immediately hopped on a plane to come and sit in the press box. There’s been some kind of miscommunication somewhere; that much is certain.

What else was he going to do? His KHL season and contract was over.

With CAR’s history of playing hardball and dicking around their star players over minute details and dollar amounts, I’m inclined to believe it’s actually more than just a miscommunication going on. This and the Rantanen fiasco is just a terrible look for the organization.

They registered his contract today, what is the hardball?

 

[Garbageyuk]

Because otherwise he’d just be sitting around. It’s not hard to understand why the org would at least want the option to give him some live-fire games if nothing changes with the NHL roster.

Again, this is not a case where the Canes are desperately trying to plug a hole. When Tulsky made the comment, they were up 2-0 with a completely healthy D group of legit top-4 players. It could conceivably be a while before any of them takes time off (though yesterday’s 2OT loss may change that). Why would Nikishin or the Canes want him to go weeks without playing a games, then straight into a regular shift in the NHL playoffs? Tulsky simply said he wanted to preserve the option of a stint in the AHL to keep him active.



What else was he going to do? His KHL season and contract was over.



They registered his contract today, what is the hardball?

They should not have asked him to come over right now if they aren’t willing to put him into the lineup over even one of the bottom-pairing guys. That’s the dicking around I was taking about, and it’s what the organization is known for at this point. Shenanigans.

 

[tarheelhockey]

They should not have asked him to come over right now if they aren’t willing to put him into the lineup over even one of the bottom-pairing guys. That’s the dicking around I was taking about, and it’s what the organization is known for at this point. Shenanigans.

Again, why not? He’s getting a contract out of it. What else would he be doing right now, watching TV?

Nikishin himself, including his current agent, have shown zero upset over any of this. The “issue” only exists online.

 

[Random Comment]

Yeah and in the case of Buium his turnover late cost his team the game. The guy has never seen NHL ice, let alone NHL playoff ice. Everyone assumes this guy is going to be awesome but he could come in and be very meh. Carolina doesn't need meh in the middle of a playoff run to work through. Better to dance with the devil you know than the one you don't.

What do you mean NHL ice? You realize SKA plays on NHL sized rink. But you would know that if you knew anything about this prospect.

 

[Garbageyuk]

Clinging desperately to the need to crap on the Canes no matter what is a fascinating thing to behold.

I respect your passion.

Just calling it how I (and everyone, except a few Canes homers) sees it. And I don’t need to “crap on” them; they’ve done a great job of that themselves recently and in recent years.

Also, Nikishin’s agent just “crapped on” the Canes worse than I ever could have. This is bad, and the desperate “just an agent being an agent lolz” narrative is pure cope.

An agent would never publicly shame an organization that wasn’t pulling some kind of BS. This org has an extensive history of being irrationally difficult to deal with in recent years, but go ahead and pretend otherwise.

Like ffs, this is a god damn ELC with their best prospect who wants to play for them (or did, at least); it should be an easy layup to get done quickly, but of course the weirdos in CAR’s front office are finding ways to f*** it up.

 

[Armourboy]

What do you mean NHL ice? You realize SKA plays on NHL sized rink. But you would know that if you knew anything about this prospect.

He hasn't seen NHL action was my point. Pretty big step up. KHL ain't the NHL.

 

[tarheelhockey]

Also, Nikishin’s agent just “crapped on” the Canes worse than I ever could have. This is bad, and the desperate “just an agent being an agent lolz” narrative is pure cope.

Not his current agent, but his KHL agent who has nothing to do with the NHL negotiations.

Nikishin’s actual NHL agent had nothing negative to say, in stark contrast to all this hubbub:



And Tulsky specifically noted that the plan to potentially get Nikishin some AHL shifts was done in collaboration with his NHL agent:

Like ffs, this is a god damn ELC with their best prospect who wants to play for them (or did, at least); it should be an easy layup to get done quickly, but of course the weirdos in CAR’s front office are finding ways to f*** it up.

Do you understand that the ELC is already in effect?

This is all a bunch of yelling about not signing a contract which is already signed.

 

[Armourboy]

Just calling it how I (and everyone, except a few Canes homers) sees it. And I don’t need to “crap on” them; they’ve done a great job of that themselves recently and in recent years.

Also, Nikishin’s agent just “crapped on” the Canes worse than I ever could have. This is bad, and the desperate “just an agent being an agent lolz” narrative is pure cope.

An agent would never publicly shame an organization that wasn’t pulling some kind of BS. This org has an extensive history of being irrationally difficult to deal with in recent years, but go ahead and pretend otherwise.

Like ffs, this is a god damn ELC with their best prospect who wants to play for them (or did, at least); it should be an easy layup to get done quickly, but of course the weirdos in CAR’s front office are finding ways to f*** it up.

That was his Russian agent, who would prefer he stay in Russia. His US agents have said there wasn't an issue.

 

[Fatass]

Just calling it how I (and everyone, except a few Canes homers) sees it. And I don’t need to “crap on” them; they’ve done a great job of that themselves recently and in recent years.

Also, Nikishin’s agent just “crapped on” the Canes worse than I ever could have. This is bad, and the desperate “just an agent being an agent lolz” narrative is pure cope.

An agent would never publicly shame an organization that wasn’t pulling some kind of BS. This org has an extensive history of being irrationally difficult to deal with in recent years, but go ahead and pretend otherwise.

Like ffs, this is a god damn ELC with their best prospect who wants to play for them (or did, at least); it should be an easy layup to get done quickly, but of course the weirdos in CAR’s front office are finding ways to f*** it up.

I think he signed and the contract is now registered. This guy (I think?) is coming 24 this year. He’s done his growing and developing. Other than adjusting the speed of the NHL he should be ready to go.

 

[WarriorofTime]

I think he signed and the contract is now registered. This guy (I think?) is coming 24 this year. He’s done his growing and developing. Other than adjusting the speed of the NHL he should be ready to go.

Reminds me of Panarin and Kaprizov, who each came over at that age and hit the ground running right away and became star players

 

[Fatass]

Reminds me of Panarin and Kaprizov, who each came over at that age and hit the ground running right away and became star players

Drafting guys out of the KHL outside of round one, who need runway to develop, seems a pretty smart move. It’s a swing for sure. But if the guy doesn’t look like an NHLer at 22/23 just don’t retain his rights. But when they’re this good, bring them over once they’ve matured and they can be instant difference makers. And he’s likely playing against Jersey. They’re not really a physical team, so it should be easier on him than against some other clubs. He will have more time to read the play.

 

[Garbageyuk]

Not his current agent, but his KHL agent who has nothing to do with the NHL negotiations.

Nikishin’s actual NHL agent had nothing negative to say, in stark contrast to all this hubbub:



And Tulsky specifically noted that the plan to potentially get Nikishin some AHL shifts was done in collaboration with his NHL agent:





Do you understand that the ELC is already in effect?

This is all a bunch of yelling about not signing a contract which is already signed.

As of what, 20 minutes ago? It was dragged out unnecessarily, so there has been issues, whether you want to admit it or not. We’ll see how things go.

 

[Blueline Bomber]

As of what, 20 minutes ago? It was dragged out unnecessarily, so there has been issues, whether you want to admit it or not. We’ll see how things go.

There have been issues... because you claim there are?

Everything played out exactly how the brass said it would. They were keeping the option open for him to play in the AHL playoffs and as soon as that option disappeared (which it did last night when the Wolves were eliminated), they officially completed the deal

You're just being obtuse because you don't want to admit you made a mountain out of a molehill

 

[bleedgreen]

As of what, 20 minutes ago? It was dragged out unnecessarily, so there has been issues, whether you want to admit it or not. We’ll see how things go.

Lol you apparently will. We’re all pretty good with the plan that was laid out during a national broadcast of a playoff game, also from the team, and the gm. You’re taking one tweet from someone not even involved and using it deflect a significant amount of info as lies and conspiracies.

Omg are you a Montreal fan? Is this all due to some Aho/KK nonsense from years ago?

It’s time to put some things down brother, you don’t have to keep carrying that weight. We’re all here for you.

 

[Bizz]

oh boy, another guaranteed bust for Canes "fans" to overhype as usual.

 

[Garbageyuk]

Lol you apparently will. We’re all pretty good with the plan that was laid out during a national broadcast of a playoff game, also from the team, and the gm. You’re taking one tweet from someone not even involved and using it deflect a significant amount of info as lies and conspiracies.

Omg are you a Montreal fan? Is this all due to some Aho/KK nonsense from years ago?

It’s time to put some things down brother, you don’t have to keep carrying that weight. We’re all here for you.

No dude, I don’t hold dumb grudges against people I don’t even know.

The frustration stems from the fact that as a hockey fan, I would like to see Nikishin in action sooner rather than later, and CAR management/ownership has a history of these type of antics. To act like that isn’t the case is simply disingenuous.

 

[Fatass]

Lol you apparently will. We’re all pretty good with the plan that was laid out during a national broadcast of a playoff game, also from the team, and the gm. You’re taking one tweet from someone not even involved and using it deflect a significant amount of info as lies and conspiracies.

Omg are you a Montreal fan? Is this all due to some Aho/KK nonsense from years ago?

It’s time to put some things down brother, you don’t have to keep carrying that weight. We’re all here for you.

Seems like RBA comment this morning about new guys getting into the lineup was an indication the Canes agreed to Nikishin’s desire to play and not just sit and watch. Did RBA have to give into pressure from above? I guess we will see. If Nikishin is in next game.

 

[bleedgreen]

Seems like RBA comment this morning about new guys getting into the lineup was an indication the Canes agreed to Nikishin’s desire to play and not just sit and watch. Did RBA have to give into pressure from above? I guess we will see. If Nikishin is in next game.

I’m not sure what he meant and maybe you’re right that he’s talking about getting Nikishin a game in general….but he’s absolutely also talking about Jankowsky and Kooch I’d imagine. Maybe Morrow. Sitting Janks after the way he’s played down the stretch was borderline criminal. He may be actually talking about that. He didn’t really play Roslovic at center all season then played him as the 4C out of the blue in the playoffs after they acquired Janks to be 4C….then Roslovic stood there reaching when Nemec skated past Ghost. Ghost was watching the winger drive past him to his left when Nemec made the move, he thought Roslovic was coming back and that he didn’t have to cover both Bastian and Nemec at the same time.

RBA isn’t getting any pressure from them at all, zero chance. They leave him alone and always have for obvious reasons. I don’t always agree with him but he gets the job done. They let him play Faulk as the number 1 ppqb when he was awful at it for an entire season….right after they traded Lindholm and Hanifin to get Dougie for the pure purpose of having a RD ppqb….and that was before he won a single thing with us. I highly doubt they’re putting pressure on him now. Nikishin’s contract was done a week ago, it’s doesn’t factor into anything. Tulsky’s comments echo what we’ve already known that there was a plan the whole time to wait until the Wolves season was over.

 

[Fatass]

I’m not sure what he meant and maybe you’re right that he’s talking about getting Nikishin a game in general….but he’s absolutely also talking about Jankowsky and Kooch I’d imagine. Maybe Morrow. Sitting Janks after the way he’s played down the stretch was borderline criminal. He may be actually talking about that. He didn’t really play Roslovic at center all season then played him as the 4C out of the blue in the playoffs after they acquired Janks to be 4C….then Roslovic stood there reaching when Nemec skated past Ghost. Ghost was watching the winger drive past him to his left when Nemec made the move, he thought Roslovic was coming back and that he didn’t have to cover both Bastian and Nemec at the same time.

RBA isn’t getting any pressure from them at all, zero chance. They leave him alone and always have for obvious reasons. I don’t always agree with him but he gets the job done. They let him play Faulk as the number 1 ppqb when he was awful at it for an entire season….right after they traded Lindholm and Hanifin to get Dougie for the pure purpose of having a RD ppqb….and that was before he won a single thing with us. I highly doubt they’re putting pressure on him now. Nikishin’s contract was done a week ago, it’s doesn’t factor into anything. Tulsky’s comments echo what we’ve already known that there was a plan the whole time to wait until the Wolves season was over.

And it’s not like Nikishin is some pimply faced 20 year old kid. He’s a fully mature (coming 24 this year, right?) man.

 

[tarheelhockey]

As of what, 20 minutes ago? It was dragged out unnecessarily, so there has been issues, whether you want to admit it or not. We’ll see how things go.

This was all a moot point last night when AHL Chicago’s season ended.

Tulsky was completely transparent that they were just keeping options open, because signing the contract would close that door. As soon as Chicago’s season ended, the contract was registered and signed the following day (today).

Look upthread where I said almost 24 hours ago that this would happen today. Then it did. It wasn’t some last minute thing, all parties relevant to the conversation knew what was going on.