The Carolina Hurricanes have agreed to a one-year contract with restricted free agent defenseman Alexander Nikishin, ending a monthslong standoff.
The deal is worth $3 million.
Nikishin, 25, had been unsigned since July 1 and missed training camp and the start of the regular season.
The Russian defenseman requested a trade following Carolina's Stanley Cup last summer because he was looking for a significant raise and larger role, sources said. Nikishin, who changed agents over the summer, had been skating in Florida with other unsigned players as he waited for a resolution.
"We're glad that Alexander is returning to our group," Canes general manager Eric Tulsky said. "This has been a long process, but we look forward to him reentering our locker room ready to contribute with the Hurricanes, as he did during a Stanley Cup championship season last year."
The one-year deal gives both sides more time to determine Nikishin's long-term future. He now becomes offer-sheet eligible next summer but will remain a restricted free agent.
Carolina selected Nikishin in the third round of the 2020 NHL draft. He developed into one of the Kontinental Hockey League's top defensemen before moving to North America in 2025. He played in 81 games last season as a rookie and another 17 games in the Canes' championship run, averaging 15:50 minutes a night in the playoffs.
The Hurricanes have started their Stanley Cup defense strong, going 9-2-2 to start the season despite significant injuries. Carolina is currently without two key forwards in Taylor Hall and captain Jordan Staal. Seth Jarvis, who underwent offseason surgery, made his season debut last week.