Nikishin exempt from Dec. 1 RFA deadline in Carolina standoff

Trade request remains unresolved entering camp

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 1h1 min read

Did you know #Canes Alexander Nikishin won't be subject to RFA deadline of Dec. 1 and in-season signing AAV change? Beca Via @frank_seravalli on X

What happened: Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin is not classified as a restricted free agent. That status exempts him from the Dec. 1 signing deadline and the in-season signing AAV adjustment.

Why it matters: Nikishin requested a trade on Sept. 14, and the standoff carried into camp. His non-RFA status removes a calendar date that would otherwise force resolution. Carolina enters the 2026-27 preseason still needing clarity on his future.

What to watch: Watch whether Carolina trades Nikishin or reaches a new agreement without a deadline constraint.

Sources

@frank_seravalli 2026-10-08T14:06:45.444589+00:00

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