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The Daily: Carolina Signs Nikishin; Larkin and Edvinsson Last to Get Resolved

The Carolina Hurricanes finally sign defenseman Alexander Nikishin to a one‑year, $3 million deal, ending his summer holdout after a Stanley Cup win. The contract lacks trade protection, hinting at a possible move before the deadline. Meanwhile, Detroit’s offseason drama continues: Dylan Larkin’s trade request now lists ten potential destinations, and restricted‑free‑agent blueliner Simon Edvinsson remains unsigned and reportedly wants out of Hockeytown before the Dec. 1 deadline. The piece also notes Detroit’s recent loss to Calgary, a call‑up of rookie Michal Postava, and the Grand Rapids Griffins’ dominant 7‑1‑1‑1 AHL start.

Rangers Daily: Why Reimer signing no indictment of Garand; Nikishin resolution

The Rangers added veteran netminder James Reimer on a one‑year deal to protect rookie Dylan Garand after Igor Shesterkin’s season‑ending knee injury. Garand, who has a 4‑4‑1 record, 2.65 GAA and .900 SV% in eight starts, faced a heavy workload with backup Spencer Martin deemed unreliable and Joonas Korpisalo out with a foot infection. Reimer’s 539‑game experience gives New York a safer option as they battle a 1‑5‑1 road slump, including 5‑4 loss to Toronto and 7‑4 defeat to Ottawa. Meanwhile, defenseman Alexander Nikishin resolves his holdout, signing a one‑year, $3 M deal with the Hurricanes.

Around the NHL: Matthew Knies struggling in Columbus, Hurricanes’ failed pursuit of Connor Hellebuyck

The latest Around the NHL roundup notes that Matthew Knies is struggling after his trade to Columbus, posting just four points in nine games and going pointless in seven, while his former teammate Kirill Marchenko thrives with Toronto, tallying 14 points in 13. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes’ bid for Winnipeg’s star goalie Connor Hellebuyck collapses after trade talks stall over a top‑six forward and defender Alexander Nikishin, leaving the Jets to keep Hellebuyck and the Hurricanes with Nikishin on a new one‑year deal. The piece also previews the Leafs’ 7‑2 win over Edmonton and upcoming games in Calgary.

LNN: Devils Acquire Hellebuyck, Nikishin Signs in Carolina, + More!

The NHL finally resolves two lingering offseason moves: the New Jersey Devils trade a package—including 2029 2nd‑round and 2027 7th‑round picks, forward Alexander Command, Dawson Mercer, Nico Daws and Nick Bjugstad—to Winnipeg for star goalie Connor Hellebuyck, creating a formidable tandem with Jake Allen and boosting New Jersey’s Cup hopes. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes sign RFA blueliner Alex Nikishin to a one‑year, $3 million deal after his 11‑goal, 22‑assist breakout. The Ottawa Senators also see third‑string keeper Jonas Johansson earn a point in a 7‑4 win over the Rangers, prompting a roster tweak that sends enforcer Kurtis MacDermid to the AHL.

Devils in the Details – 10/26/26: Chess Move Edition

The New Jersey Devils land star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets in a blockbuster trade announced on October 23, 2026. Devils GM Sunny Mehta touts Hellebuyck’s consistency as a perfect fit for a team that’s defended well but struggled with goals against, ranking 29th in GSAx after ten games. The move could also pave the way for reuniting the Hughes brothers. Meanwhile, Arseny Gritsyuk extends his goal streak as the Devils beat the Kings 3‑1, and other NHL updates include Alexander Nikishin’s one‑year, $3 M deal with the Hurricanes and James Reimer’s $850K contract with the Rangers. The post also notes a rise in on‑ice fights this season.

Morning Skate: Storm

The Boston Bruins head back to the ice Tuesday night in Raleigh, facing the Carolina Hurricanes at 8 PM, then travel to St. Louis for an 8 PM showdown with the Blues on Thursday. After a win over the San Jose Sharks, the Bruins celebrated Halloween with a themed party full of Erling Haaland, Pixar and Marvel costumes, highlighted by Mason Lohrei’s Pete Weber impression. Former captain Patrice Bergeron made a low‑key appearance in the balcony during Saturday’s game. The post also notes the Celtics’ new “beer shoe” merch at TD Garden, sparking jokes about a “beer skate.”

Pens Points: Brazeau inching closer to return

The latest Pens Points note that forward Justin Brazeau is edging closer to a comeback after a lower-body injury that sidelined him since the preseason. Meanwhile, Hendrix Lapierre thrives on a line with Ville Koivunen and Evgeni Malkin, while Rickard Rakell vows to boost his scoring after a slow start, with GM Kyle Dubas confident in his chemistry alongside Sidney Crosby on the power play. League news includes the Rangers signing veteran goalie James Reimer following Igor Shesterkin’s season‑ending injury, the Hurricanes’ pursuit of Connor Hellebuyck, and Minnesota’s Quinn Hughes hinting at upcoming contract talks.

Alexander Nikishin Signs For One Year

The Carolina Hurricanes have locked Russian defenseman Alexander Nikishin into a one‑year, $3 million contract for the 2026‑27 season, ending a protracted negotiation. Nikishin, 25, was an NHL All‑Rookie Team member in 2025‑26, posting 11 goals, 33 points and a +18 rating, and contributed an assist in 17 playoff games as Carolina won the Stanley Cup. While the deal falls short of his reported $8‑9 million demand, the team hopes his size, reach, hard slap shot and strong plus/minus will translate into more ice time and impact. The signing follows his record‑setting KHL seasons and his Olympic debut for Russia in 2022.

‘This has been a long process’: Alexander Nikishin ends holdout with Hurricanes, signs one-year contract extension after previously requesting trade

One of the last major dominos remaining from the 2026 offseason finally fell on Sunday as Alexander Nikishin agreed to a one-year contract extension with the Carolina Hurricanes. The deal, per the team, will pay the Russian defenseman $3 million this season and comes after the Hurricanes had already played 13 games this season. Welcome

Todd McLellan credits Red Wings while throwing Dylan Larkin under the bus

Detroit coach Todd McLellan bluntly confronted Dylan Larkin’s trade request, praising the Red Wings’ resilience amid a turbulent start to the 2026‑27 season. He said the group remains “well‑connected” despite the drama, while Larkin has expanded his trade list to ten teams—including the Panthers, Wild, Knights, Stars, Lightning, Hurricanes, Avalanche, Devils, Capitals and Utah Mammoth. The Montreal Canadiens are reportedly still pursuing him, even though they’re not on his list, and could become a surprise suitor if negotiations stall.

Hurricanes’ Alexander Nikishin works out 1-year contract resolution after trade buzz

The Carolina Hurricanes have settled a contract dispute with defenseman Alexander Nikishin, agreeing to a one‑year, $3 million deal. After a standout KHL stint and a rookie‑year in Carolina—where he posted 11 goals, 22 assists in 81 games and helped clinch the 2025‑26 Stanley Cup—Nikishin returns to the defending champions. General manager Eric Tulsky confirmed the signing, praising Nikishin’s contributions during last season’s championship run. The move ends lingering trade speculation and keeps the young Russian star in the Hurricanes’ blue line for the upcoming campaign.

Carolina Hurricanes End Stalemate With Unsigned RFA Alexander Nikishin

The Carolina Hurricanes finally sign restricted‑free‑agent defenseman Alexander Nikishin to a one‑year, $3 million contract, ending a 13‑game deadlock that began after he demanded an $8‑9 million AAV extension. Nikishin, who set the franchise rookie‑defenseman goal record with 11 goals and posted 33 points and a +18 rating last season, settled for less to return to the lineup. The deal restores his pay, makes him eligible for offer sheets and arbitration next July, and positions both player and team for a potentially larger payday after the season.

Shocking Agreement Reached Between Nikishin & Hurricanes

Elliotte Friedman reports that the Carolina Hurricanes are near a contract deal with restricted‑free‑agent defenseman Alexander Nikishin, who had been seeking a trade. The potential agreement could be a one‑year pact that gets Nikishin back on the ice and restores his RFA status for next offseason, allowing him to field offer sheets. Friedman indicated the news surfaced late Sunday, suggesting the negotiations are advancing fast.

Hurricanes Blank Blues 4-0 Behind Kochetkov’s Shutout

The Carolina Hurricanes dominate the St. Louis Blues 4-0 on Oct. 25, 2026, with rookie net‑minder Pyotr Kochetkov posting a shutout by stopping all 24 shots. Carolina erupts in the second period: Sean Walker scores at 4:45, Jesperi Kotkaniemi adds a goal 20 seconds later, and Logan Stankoven caps the burst before period’s end. Nikolaj Ehlers nets the fourth in the third. The Hurricanes finish 9-2-2, leading the Metropolitan Division with 20 points, while the Blues fall to 5-5-1. Kochetkov records a perfect 1.000 save percentage and the team goes 1-for-1 on the power play.

Like it or not it’s Tristan Jarry’s net now, the former Oilers curse, and Trent Frederic a healthy scratch

The Oilers’ three‑game winning streak ends with a 7‑2 defeat to the Toronto Maple Leafs, highlighting Tristan Jarry’s shaky start as the new starter after Devon Levi’s IR placement. Jarry posted a .800 save percentage in his fourth season start, unable to stop key odd‑man rush goals and a power‑play marker by William Nylander. Meanwhile, the “former Oiler curse” re‑emerges as ex‑Oilers Jack Roslovic, Troy Stecher and Anthony Stolarz each score or shine for Toronto, underscoring Edmonton’s defensive lapses and the urgency to regroup. Trent Frederic also sits as a healthy scratch heading into the next matchup.

Kochetkov Earns Shutout – Hurricanes 4, Blues 0

Pyotr Kochetkov posts a perfect 7-0-0 start with a 24‑save shutout as the Carolina Hurricanes crush the St. Louis Blues 4‑0 on Oct. 24, 2026, at the Enterprise Center. Goals come from Sean Walker, Jordan Martinook, Logan Stankoven and a power‑play tally by Nikolaj Ehlers, while Jesperi Kotkaniemi leads with a 63% face‑off win rate. The Canes improve to 9‑2‑2, 20 points, and sit atop the league. Kochetkov notches his 12th career shutout as Carolina outshoots St. Louis 39‑24.

Everyone Gets a Shot: Kochetkov Leads Hurricanes to Shutout Win Over Blues in Conclusion of Road Trip

The Carolina Hurricanes wrap up their five‑game Western Conference road trip with a 4‑0 shutout of the St. Louis Blues on Oct. 25, 2026. Pyotr Kochetkov records a 24‑save blank, giving him a perfect sheet and extending his season‑opening winning streak to seven games – the second‑best start in franchise history. All six skaters log at least one shot, led by Logan Stankoven (5 shots, 1 goal) and Skyler Brind’Amour (5 shots). Goals come from Sean Walker (first of the season), Jesperi Kotkaniemi and a power‑play strike by Nikolaj Ehlers, while Jackson Blake notches his 100th NHL point. The win caps a road trip that yielded seven points.

Hurricanes Tried To Flip Forward To Jets In Failed Hellebuyck Offer

The Carolina Hurricanes' bid for three-time Vezina winner Connor Hellebuyck fell apart because they couldn't line up a third team to supply a forward the New York Jets wanted. According to Elliotte Friedman, the Jets demanded immediate roster help, but the Canes refused to part with stars Logan Stankoven, Seth Jarvis or Jackson Blake. Hurricanes scouts reached out to other clubs to acquire trade‑able forwards, hoping to flip them to New York, but the plan never materialized. Ultimately the Jets secured Dawson Mercer and Nick Bjugstad from the New Jersey Devils in their blockbuster deal, leaving the Hurricanes without Hellebuyck.